Nigerian Children Face Rising Cyber Threats Amid Policy Gaps

Nigerian children are increasingly at risk from cyber criminals and online predators, with reports indicating that 90% have encountered cyber risks, and over half have experienced direct harm. A report by Cece Yara Foundation and Gatefield highlights issues such as cyberbullying and sexual exploitation. Nigeria's legal framework for online child safety is fragmented, relying on outdated laws that fail to provide comprehensive protection. The newly adopted Internet Code of Practice (ICP) lacks necessary enforcement mechanisms and places undue responsibility on parents. Proposed legislation, HB244, aims to create a more robust framework for child online safety, but it has not yet been enacted. Comparatively, other countries are advancing their child protection laws, leaving Nigeria at a disadvantage. The urgency for improved policies and protective measures is critical as children navigate an increasingly dangerous online environment.

Key Points: • 90% of Nigerian children online have faced cyber risks, with over half experiencing harm. • Nigeria's legal framework for child online safety is outdated and ineffective. • Proposed HB244 aims to strengthen protections, but has not yet been enacted.