The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched a public consultation survey to gather citizens’ views on proposals that could introduce age restrictions for children using social media platforms in Nigeria.
The move forms part of efforts to strengthen protections for minors on social media and other digital platforms, amid growing concerns about online safety.
The consultation, conducted by NDPC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, seeks input from parents, educators, young people, digital professionals and other stakeholders as policymakers consider possible regulatory approaches to safeguarding children online in Nigeria.
According to the minister, governments around the world are adopting different policy approaches to improve child online safety. These include age restrictions on social media use, stronger age-verification systems, enhanced platform accountability measures, and tighter regulatory oversight.
Commenting on the initiative, Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) that while the internet provides opportunities for education and innovation, it also exposes children to increasing digital risks.
According to the minister, governments around the world are adopting different policy approaches to improve child online safety. These include age restrictions on social media use, stronger age-verification systems, enhanced platform accountability measures, and tighter regulatory oversight.
Tijani said the consultation process will help Nigeria examine options for strengthening protections for minors online through clearer platform rules and more effective regulation.
“While the internet offers significant opportunities for learning, creativity and communication, it also exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, misuse of personal data, and emerging challenges linked to artificial intelligence tools,” Tijani said.
In Nigeria, policymakers are now assessing whether similar safeguards could be introduced to improve online protection for children, while ensuring that any regulatory framework reflects national priorities and the realities of the country’s digital ecosystem.
“As Nigeria evaluates potential policy approaches for the protection of children online, including age restrictions, improved age verification systems, platform accountability measures, and enhanced regulatory oversight, public input is essential to ensure that any framework adopted reflects national priorities, respects children’s rights, and responds to the realities of Nigeria’s digital landscape,” the minister added.
The NDPC said the survey is intended to help policymakers develop evidence-based regulations tailored to Nigeria’s digital environment and data protection framework, with reference to Section 31 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
“This survey seeks public input to inform a balanced, evidence-based approach to protecting children online,” the commission said. “The document outlines poll and survey questions designed to gauge public opinion on the implementation of regulations for social media platforms in Nigeria, aligning with the protections under Section 31 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023.”
According to the NDPC, responses gathered through the consultation will contribute to shaping policies aimed at creating a safer digital environment for children in Nigeria. Participants are encouraged to submit their views through the online survey, with the commission assuring that all information collected will be used strictly for consultation purposes.
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