Federal Government has launched public consultations on introducing age restrictions for social media use in Nigeria to enhance online safety for children.
Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy
The Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy launched a public poll seeking input from parents, educators, young people, and digital experts on regulating children’s access to social media and digital platforms.
The ministry stated that the initiative aims to develop a balanced, evidence-based policy framework protecting children from online risks while preserving internet benefits for education and social interaction.
In a policy note, it listed risks including cyberbullying, harmful content, online grooming, personal data misuse, addictive platform features, and emerging artificial intelligence threats.
“As Nigeria evaluates policy options, any approach must reflect national priorities, respect children’s rights, and address the realities of the country’s digital landscape,” the ministry said.
Supervising Minister of Communications, Dr Bosun Tijani, said on his X handle that public participation is essential to shape policies balancing digital access with safeguards. “While the internet offers opportunities for learning, creativity, and communication, it exposes children to cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, data misuse, and AI challenges,” he stated.
Dr Tijani said options under consideration include age restrictions, improved age verification, platform accountability measures, and enhanced regulatory oversight.
Nigeria joins countries implementing similar measures, including Australia which banned social media for under-16s in December 2025, Indonesia’s under-16 ban, Denmark’s planned under-15 prohibition, and France’s legislation banning access for children under 15.
Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, said over 40 million Nigerians spend an average of six hours daily on social media, highlighting data privacy concerns. The consultations come amid rapid growth in smartphone adoption and mobile broadband networks raising concerns about minors’ exposure to harmful content and digital exploitation.
