Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on technology companies and digital platforms to strengthen online safety systems to protect Nigerian children from cyberbullying, grooming, sextortion, and harmful content.
Speaking at the Child Online Safety Forum in Abuja on Monday, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, represented by Director of Women and Child Protection, Ngozi Okere, said the internet, though beneficial, exposes children to increasing digital risks that require urgent action.
“We must ensure that tech providers adopt stricter guidelines and safety tools designed for children,” Ojukwu said. “This includes content filters, easy reporting mechanisms for abuse, and stronger privacy protections.”
He described online child protection as both “a legal imperative and a moral responsibility,” urging collaboration among government, civil society, and digital service providers.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Olumide Osoba, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to passing the Child Online Access Protection Bill (HB 244).
“The internet should empower, not endanger, our children. This bill will compel providers to block violent content, penalise grooming, and promote digital literacy,” Osoba said.
A recent Gatefield report revealed that 50 per cent of Nigerian internet users experience online abuse, with women and girls particularly targeted.
Stakeholders at the event agreed that urgent collaboration is needed to build safer digital environments for young people.
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Chukwu Obinna 
Otamere Gladness 