Date: March 10, 2026
Source: Punch Newspapers
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a nationwide public consultation aimed at shaping a comprehensive national framework for child online safety. This initiative, announced on March 10, 2026, by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, seeks to engage parents, guardians, and young Nigerians in crafting policies that protect children from the growing risks of the digital world.
Purpose of the Consultation
The consultation aims to evaluate and refine policy approaches to safeguard children online. Key focus areas include:
- Implementing age restrictions on digital platforms
- Enhancing age verification systems
- Increasing accountability for social media companies and internet service providers
The consultation specifically addresses pressing online risks such as cyberbullying, online exploitation, misuse of personal data, and emerging challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.
This public consultation builds on several recent legislative and regulatory efforts in Nigeria to protect minors online:
- Child Online Access Protection Bill (HB.244): Passed by the House of Representatives in December 2025, this bill proposes a legal framework to shield minors from online harms and mandates the removal of harmful content by platforms.
- Revised Internet Code of Practice 2026: Published by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in February 2026, this code requires internet providers to enable default parental controls for minors and to act on unlawful content within 24 hours.
- Online Harms Bill Strategy: Earlier frameworks suggested by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) recommend that social media platforms limit access for users below a minimum age, commonly set at 13 years.
Who Can Participate?
The government is actively seeking feedback from parents, guardians, and young Nigerians to ensure the final framework reflects national priorities and respects the rights of children. This inclusive approach aims to create a balanced and effective policy that protects children while supporting innovation and digital growth.
How to Participate
Interested individuals can contribute their views and suggestions by completing the official survey provided by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The survey is accessible through the Nigeria Child Online Protection Survey link.
At IDEA Television, we recognize the importance of protecting children in the digital age. We encourage all stakeholders to participate actively in this consultation to help build a safer online environment for Nigeria’s youth
