Fresh concerns are emerging over the safety of Nigerian children online, as reports indicate they face increasing threats from cybercriminals and online predators. While the internet serves as both a lifeline and a danger zone for children, new findings reveal that nine out of 10 Nigerian children online have encountered at least one form of cyber risk, and more than half have directly experienced harm.
Report Highlights Crisis
A report titled "Children Caught in the Web," authored by the Cece Yara Foundation and Gatefield, underscores the scale of the crisis, noting that from cyberbullying to sexual exploitation, the threat is undeniable. The report stresses that while other nations are racing ahead with enforceable frameworks, Nigeria remains dangerously behind.
According to the 14-page document, Nigeria relies on three overlapping laws: the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (2015), the Cybercrimes Act (2015), and the Child Rights Act (2003). Each law touches on aspects of child online safety, but none provides a unified, enforceable framework. This patchwork approach leaves gaps where predators thrive and platforms escape accountability.
The document states, "The absence of a strict, coherent legal framework allows platforms to act only when compelled, rather than proactively safeguarding children online."
Internet Code of Practice Falls Short
In February, Nigeria adopted a new Internet Code of Practice (ICP). While considered a step forward, it remains riddled with blind spots. It places responsibility on parents to activate parental controls, ignoring the fact that many lack the skills or awareness to do so. Worse, it fails to address harmful design features such as autoplay and algorithmic recommendations that deliberately keep children engaged. Unlike global standards, the ICP does not restrict targeted advertising to minors, leaving them exposed to profiling and commercial exploitation.
Proposed Legislation Offers Hope
The report acknowledges HB244 as Nigeria's first real framework and comprehensive attempt to close these gaps. It introduces a 24-hour removal deadline for harmful content, establishes an eSafety Commissioner with auditing powers, and mandates transparency reporting from platforms. "If passed, HB244 would finally give Nigeria enforceable teeth to protect its children online, something the ICP and older laws have failed to achieve," the report emphasizes.
International Comparisons
Comparing Nigeria with other nations, the report highlights stark contrasts. France has fast-tracked legislation banning social media for children under 15, targeting implementation by 2026. The EU Digital Services Act requires platforms to assess risks to child users, adopt age-appropriate design standards, and impose fines of up to six percent of global yearly turnover for non-compliance. The UK Online Safety Act places a legal duty on platforms to reduce risks from harmful content, with regulators empowered to enforce penalties.
In Nigeria, harmful content involving minors remains online for more than 48 hours before any action is taken, and grooming cases often go unmanaged because no national system links digital evidence to case management. The report calls for urgent action to protect Nigerian children in the digital age.
