Child rights advocates and parents have called on the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Online Child Protection Bill, warning that millions of Nigerian children remain exposed to online abuse in the absence of adequate legal safeguards.
The call was made during a media roundtable organised in Abuja by public strategy, advocacy and media organisation, Gatefield, in partnership with Nigerian parents.
The stakeholders noted that although the bill has passed its first reading in the Senate, lawmakers should expedite its second reading to strengthen child safety in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital space.
Gatefield Campaign Lead, Christina Oyinkansola Akintoye, said between 105 million and 112 million of Nigeria’s estimated 242.4 million population are children, many of whom are actively navigating the internet without sufficient protection.
She argued that the National Assembly has the legislative authority to compel technology companies to prioritise children’s safety.
“Our children are growing up on largely unregulated social media platforms. The National Assembly can use its legislative powers to ensure technology companies do more to protect them,” she said.
Akintoye highlighted the scale of online harm facing Nigerian children, revealing that nine out of every 10 children experience at least one form of online abuse.
According to her, it takes only 17 milliseconds for a child to encounter harmful content online, while 50 per cent of Nigerian children have directly experienced online abuse. She added that 80 per cent of sexual content involving minors remains online for more than 48 hours.
Parents Urged to Be More Involved
Lead of Chazown by Ella’s Bookclub, Mrs. Emmanuella Iyayi, said online bullying affects both boys and girls, urging parents to become more involved in their children’s digital lives.
She stressed that children often carry the emotional impact of harmful online content long after they have seen it.
Also speaking, Legal and Programme Officer at the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Onyinyechi Amy, said protecting children online requires a coordinated effort involving families, government and technology companies.
“If children are well protected, it will be difficult for predators to reach them. Parents are the first gate of protection, government is the second, while technology companies are the third,” she said.
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The stakeholders also called on schools to restore both short and long break periods to encourage outdoor play and reduce children’s dependence on digital devices during the school day.
They further urged the government to enact clear regulations guiding the type of content technology companies can make accessible to children, insisting that stronger laws are needed to create a safer online environment for Nigeria’s young population.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.