By Chinenye Anuforo
The Number Resource Society (NRS), a global non-profit membership organization that campaigns, empowers and supports businesses to own the fundamental elements of their IP business is advocating for a better Nigeria’s participation at AFRINIC, the regional Internet registry for Africa with headquarters in Ebene, Mauritius.
This advocacy was made at a seminar with the theme: ‘Advocating for a global unlimited, free, accountable and accessible Internet for all’, which it organized for its members and other ISPs in Nigeria at the Black Diamond Hotel in Victoria Island-Lagos.
The seminar, whichh was well-attended by its corporate and individual members was centered around topics such as Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, Customer Experience & Retention and Internet Governance.
Speaking at Journalists on the sideline, Mr. Williams Adebayo, Relationship Manager at NRS, said the call for Nigerians to participate actively at AFRINIC becomes necessary since Nigeria as a country are key player in the industry and has the highest number of ISPs registered with AFRINIC don’t show enthusiasm towards Internet governance, which controls their Internet businesses.
“Nigerians have this nonchalant attitude of not participating. They do not vote. For them, it is not their business and concern. Meanwhile, it is AFRINIC that controls the IP of their business. So why don’t you have a voice in the body that controls you, even when the positions are opened for every member?” he asked rhetorically.
He disclosed that NRS is willing to support and encourage resource members to actively participate in AFRINIC elections and ensure that their votes count so that their voices can be heard and interests made known. He also explained that being part of the continental body will help to enlighten the people about the relevance of being part of Internet governance.
Asked if NRS intends to sponsor a Nigerian to contest for a position at AFRINIC election. Mr. Williams responded that contesting for a position is not the most important push for now, but the desire to be able to participate in the activities of AFRINIC and be able to vote and be heard.
“We are not particular about contesting for positions, not our main aim. We aim to ensure that people vote for their nominated candidates. So NRS, which is made up of resource members and Internet Service Providers, agrees with the member’s candidates and gives the necessary support. We believe in the people’s representations,” he stressed.
According to him, NRS is not against AFRINIC as many are thinking, insisting that NRS is never contending against AFRINIC but an organization that solicits free internet for all and encourages transparent governance. “We create awareness of trending industry information. We also advocate for the active participation of resource members in Internet governance. We serve as a voice, seeking the best interest of the resource members.
AFRINIC is a registrar, as we are not seeking power but to monitor the activities of AFRINIC officials to curtail excesses and sensitize resource members. And ensure that resource members enjoy the best privileges and opportunities they are entitled to,” Williams added.
He Invites all Nigerian ISPs to be a part of this movement, saying joining NRS will amplify their voices. “Our goal is to ensure that members get the best services from AFRINIC. Therefore, we plea that ISPs join us, and their voices can be heard and their interest met.