By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
Nigeria
has renewed its commitment to strengthening protections for children in the
digital space as concerns grow over their exposure to online risks in an
increasingly connected society.
The
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, has emphasized the need for a safer and
more inclusive digital ecosystem that enables children to participate in the
online world without compromising their safety.
He
made the remarks following a Roundtable on Protection of Children Online,
jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation &
Digital Economy and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The forum
brought together stakeholders from government, industry, civil society,
academia, and the wider technology ecosystem to examine emerging threats facing
children online and to explore coordinated responses.
According
to Dr. Tijani, the discussions reinforced the principle that online safety is a
shared responsibility requiring collective action from parents, schools,
regulators, technology companies, and civil society. He noted that each
stakeholder has a critical role in shaping a safer digital environment for
young users.
He
further stressed that as digital technologies become more embedded in everyday
life, there is a growing need to design systems and safeguards that prioritise
the best interests of children. He also highlighted the importance of
strengthening digital literacy and improving accountability across digital
platforms to support a secure and responsible digital future for Nigeria.
The
roundtable is part of broader national efforts to balance innovation and
inclusion with safety and responsible governance in Nigeria’s evolving digital
economy.
