The FAME Foundation has declared what it calls a national emergency concerning digital violence across Nigeria, with shocking new data revealing that approximately 68.9 million citizens currently endure various forms of online abuse.
Alarming Statistics Unveiled
Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, the Executive Director of FAME Foundation, made this startling disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday during the launch of the 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism campaign. The event carried the theme "UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls."
Atoyebi revealed that the concerning figure comes from Gatefield's State of Online Harms 2025 report, indicating that online abuse has reached epidemic proportions. The data shows that roughly one in three Nigerians faces digital violence, with women and girls experiencing the most severe impact.
"Digital violence has become one of the fastest-growing forms of abuse in this country," Atoyebi emphasized. "The fact that 68.9 million people are suffering online harms should alarm every stakeholder."
Women and Children Bear the Brunt
The executive director detailed how women and girls consistently face the worst forms of online abuse, including relentless harassment, cyberstalking, identity impersonation, financial scams, and exposure to sexually explicit content.
Even more disturbing were the statistics concerning Nigerian children. The same report indicates that 97 percent of Nigerian children have encountered some type of sexual exploitation online, while 89 percent have received unsolicited sexual content or inappropriate requests.
Atoyebi described these numbers as deeply troubling and completely unacceptable, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures.
Real-World Consequences and Legal Gaps
The situation continues to worsen with the increasing trend of private images and videos being shared across digital platforms without consent. This violation often leaves women and girls traumatized, socially shamed, and ultimately forced to abandon their online presence.
During the campaign launch, which runs from November 25 to December 10, Atoyebi stressed that digital violence should never be dismissed as mere online behavior. Victims experience tangible real-life consequences including psychological trauma, damage to reputation, and significant economic losses.
She expressed concern about the inconsistent enforcement of existing legislation such as the Cybercrimes Act 2015 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act. Many survivors still avoid reporting incidents due to fear of social stigma or lack of confidence in the justice system.
Comprehensive Response Strategy
Outlining FAME Foundation's 16-day activity plan, Atoyebi announced that the organization will conduct multiple initiatives including:
- Educational webinars on digital safety
- Panel discussions focusing on men as allies in the fight against digital violence
- Production of playlets, podcasts, and video messages encouraging young girls to speak out
- Collaboration with youth and sports communities through surveys, safe-sport sessions, social media engagements, and community outreach programs
Atoyebi made an urgent appeal for collective action, calling on government agencies, media organizations, civil society groups, technology companies, and local communities to treat digital violence as a serious threat to national well-being.
"With nearly 69 million people harmed online, we cannot continue business as usual," she asserted. "To women and girls, we say: you are not alone. We will stand with you."
She encouraged all Nigerians to unite throughout the 16-day campaign and beyond to eliminate digital violence against women and girls, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in creating safer online spaces.
