Nigeria’s federal government has begun consultations on possible age restrictions for social media use as part of a broader push to improve online safety for children.
The Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy announced the move on Tuesday, launching a public poll designed to collect views from parents, teachers, young people, and digital policy experts. Officials say the feedback will guide the development of a policy framework that protects minors from digital risks while allowing them to benefit from the internet’s educational and social opportunities.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said the initiative reflects the rapid expansion of internet access across Nigeria and the growing need to protect younger users.
“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 wrote on his X account.
The ministry explained that children increasingly encounter dangers such as addictive platform features, online grooming, and exposure to inappropriate material. Officials said any policy response must rely on evidence and remain consistent with children’s rights.
“We are working to ensure that any approach responds effectively to the realities of the country’s digital landscape,” the ministry said.
The consultations come at a time of sharp growth in internet adoption driven by smartphone usage and expanding mobile broadband coverage.
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission shows active telephone subscriptions rose to about 182 million in January 2026, up from 179.6 million at the end of 2025, with telecom operators adding roughly 2.58 million new SIM cards during the period. Internet users on narrowband networks also climbed to around 151.5 million.
Digital behaviour data further highlights the scale of social media engagement. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission reported that more than 40 million Nigerians spend an average of six hours daily on social media platforms, raising fresh concerns about privacy, online safety, and digital wellbeing.
Government officials said several policy options are under consideration. These include minimum age requirements for social media access, stronger age verification systems, greater platform accountability, and expanded regulatory oversight.
Tijani emphasised that public participation will shape the final policy direction.
The Explainer gathered that authorities are studying international approaches as part of the consultation process. Countries such as Denmark, France, and Australia have already introduced measures aimed at improving child safety on major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
If adopted, Nigeria’s policy could become one of the country’s most significant digital safety regulations as internet usage continues to rise among young people.
