The Federal Government and experts in the digital ecosystem have called for stronger measures to safeguard children’s rights in Nigeria’s expanding digital space, amid rising concerns over cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and other online threats.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed this in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) following a Roundtable on the Protection of Children Online organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The roundtable convened stakeholders from government institutions, the technology industry, civil society organisations, academia, and the wider digital ecosystem to assess the growing risks children face online and to discuss coordinated responses to address them.
Participants at the engagement noted that the rapid expansion of internet access and digital platforms has increased children’s exposure to both opportunities and risks, making it necessary to strengthen protective frameworks without limiting access to digital learning and innovation.
They stressed that the protection of children’s rights in the digital environment is a shared responsibility requiring the active involvement of parents, schools, regulators, technology companies, and civil society organisations.
According to them, a coordinated approach is needed to ensure that online platforms are designed and operated in ways that prioritise safety, accountability, and the best interests of children.
The stakeholders also emphasised the importance of improving digital literacy among children and guardians, describing awareness as a key tool in preventing exploitation, cyberbullying, and other forms of online harm.
Regulatory authorities at the roundtable reiterated the need for stronger enforcement of data protection and online safety standards, urging technology companies operating in Nigeria to comply fully with existing frameworks.
They further noted that the fast-changing nature of digital platforms requires continuous policy review and adaptation to effectively respond to emerging online risks targeting young users.
The engagement concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to deepen collaboration, strengthen regulatory coordination, and promote a safer, more inclusive digital environment that protects the rights of children across Nigeria.
