The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), with support from the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), has launched two digital communication initiatives, dComms and DANCIT, to strengthen privacy, digital rights and user control in Nigeria.
The platforms are designed to provide alternatives to mainstream social media and messaging applications while promoting decentralised technology, digital freedom and greater protection of personal information.
Buhari Abba, who spoke on behalf of CITAD Executive Director, Dr Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, in Bauchi on Thursday, said the initiatives would expand users’ choices and encourage a more inclusive and privacy-conscious digital environment.
He explained that dComms prioritises decentralisation, privacy and user control, offering an alternative to conventional platforms where technology companies control infrastructure, policies and access to users’ data.
Abba noted that although social media and messaging applications had become essential for communication, information sharing and civic participation, their growing influence had raised concerns about surveillance, online harassment, data exploitation and algorithmic manipulation.
He said many mainstream platforms relied on business models that involved collecting and commercialising personal information, often without adequate transparency about how users’ data was stored, shared or processed.
According to him, dComms connects to the Fediverse, a network of independently operated digital platforms that can communicate with one another without depending on a single commercial provider.
He said the decentralised model could give communities and institutions greater control over their digital services while creating opportunities for local developers and organisations to participate in technological innovation.
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However, he cautioned that decentralisation alone could not eliminate privacy risks, misinformation and cyberattacks, stressing the importance of strong security measures and transparent platform governance.
As part of the initiative, CITAD is also introducing DANCIT, an abbreviation for Dandalin CITAD, a mobile messaging application designed for communities, young people, civil society organisations and digital rights advocates.
Abba said the application was inspired by the Hausa concept of dandali, which refers to a communal gathering place where people meet, exchange ideas and discuss issues affecting their lives.
He explained that DANCIT seeks to bring this tradition into the digital space by providing opportunities for communication, collaboration, grassroots organising and civic engagement.
Hosted on CITAD’s digital infrastructure, the application is intended to offer an alternative to mainstream messaging services by placing community needs, privacy and digital independence at the centre of its operations.
Abba said the platforms were particularly relevant to Nigeria, where digital services increasingly influence public debate, access to information and democratic participation.
He also highlighted the importance of digital sovereignty, describing it as the ability of countries and institutions to make informed decisions about their digital infrastructure, data governance and technological development.
He stressed that digital sovereignty did not mean isolating Nigeria from the global internet but ensuring that citizens and local institutions had meaningful choices and the capacity to develop solutions that addressed their needs.
Abba called on educational institutions, journalists, youth groups, policymakers, technology professionals and civil society organisations to explore the platforms and support initiatives that protect users’ digital rights.
He reaffirmed CITAD’s commitment to promoting a digital environment where Nigerians can communicate freely, participate meaningfully and exercise greater control over their personal information.
