FG Moves to Introduce Social Media Age Restrictions in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commenced consultations to introduce age restrictions for social media usage, marking a significant step toward enhancing online safety for the nation’s youth.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, aims to protect children from the growing risks associated with the digital landscape while maintaining the educational benefits of the internet.

To ensure the policy is evidence-based and reflects national priorities, the Supervising Minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, announced the launch of a public survey. The ministry is calling on parents, educators, digital experts, and young people to share their perspectives on how best to regulate access to digital platforms.

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“While the internet offers significant opportunities for learning and creativity, it also exposes children to risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, and the misuse of personal data,” Dr. Tijani stated via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

The government is evaluating several regulatory measures, including implementing robust technology to confirm users’ ages before account creation, holding social media companies responsible for the safety of minors, and enhancing the government’s ability to monitor digital platforms. There is also a specific focus on developing safeguards against emerging challenges linked to Artificial Intelligence tools.

Nigeria’s move mirrors a growing international trend of tightening digital regulations for minors. In late 2025, Australia implemented a landmark ban for children under 16, and countries like France and Indonesia have recently moved to restrict access for those under 15 and 16, respectively.

The push for regulation comes amid a surge in internet adoption across Nigeria, driven by affordable smartphones and expanded broadband. Data from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) indicates that over 40 million Nigerians spend an average of six hours daily on social media, highlighting the urgent need for a framework that balances digital inclusion with the protection of vulnerable users.

The Ministry emphasized that any final policy will respect children’s rights and respond to the unique realities of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.