The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has convened a high-level stakeholder engagement to advance child online protection and strengthen Nigeria’s digital safety framework. The meeting brought together government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, industry innovators, development partners, and students to deliberate on practical measures for safeguarding children as digital technologies become increasingly woven into everyday life.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, described child online protection as both a national priority and a collective responsibility. He noted that while digital platforms have created vast opportunities for learning, communication, and innovation, they have also exposed children to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, privacy breaches, and digital addiction. Findings from a recent stakeholder survey, he revealed, showed broad public support for stronger measures to protect children in the digital space.
Tijani advocated a balanced approach that combines regulation with public awareness campaigns, parental guidance, school-based interventions, and active civil society participation. “The protection of children online requires a whole-of-society response,” he stressed, urging collaboration among policymakers, educators, parents, technology companies, and community leaders. Echoing this call, NDPC’s National Commissioner/CEO, Dr Vincent Olatunji, underscored the urgency of strengthening safeguards, noting that internet use has become integral to children’s daily lives. He called for a coordinated national framework that promotes legal awareness, enforces duty-of-care among digital platforms, and addresses privacy, age verification, and accountability concerns.
A key highlight of the engagement was the presentation of findings from a nationwide public consultation survey on regulating children’s access to social media platforms. The survey, which captured Nigerians’ views on online safety, is expected to inform future policy decisions and regulatory frameworks. Participants contributed insights on emerging digital risks, responsible technology use, and the role of innovation in building safer online experiences for young people. The initiative reflects the Federal Government’s growing focus on digital trust, online safety, and responsible technology governance as Nigeria deepens its digital transformation journey.