The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the lawful interception of communications regulations, 2019.
In a letter dated February 21, 2026, SERAP described the regulations as “unconstitutional, unlawful and inconsistent with Nigeria’s international obligations,”
It warned that they create a sweeping surveillance regime without adequate safeguards.
The letter followed claims by Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna state governor who alleged that Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser had his phone conversations intercepted.
El-Rufai reportedly said, “The NSA’s call was tapped. They do that to our calls too, and we heard him saying they should arrest me.”
Blaming the 2019 regulations for such incidents, SERAP stated that the rules grant “overly broad and vague powers to intercept communications” on grounds like national security and public emergency, without sufficient judicial oversight.
The group warned that with the 2027 general elections approaching, unchecked surveillance could be used against political opponents, journalists and civil society actors.
“Free and fair elections depend on confidential communications, protected journalistic sources and open democratic debate,” the letter said.
SERAP threatened legal action if the Federal Government fails to act within seven days, stating, “If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
The organisation reiterated that while national security is important, any interception framework must comply with constitutional safeguards, independent judicial authorisation and international human rights standards.
