The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun consultations on introducing age restrictions for social media use as part of a broader policy aimed at improving online safety for children.
The initiative is being driven by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, which has launched a nationwide public survey to gather views from parents, teachers, young people and digital policy experts on how best to regulate minors’ access to social media platforms.
According to the ministry, the consultation is intended to help develop a balanced policy framework that protects children from online threats while allowing them to benefit from the educational and social opportunities provided by the internet.
Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the government is concerned about the growing exposure of minors to online risks as internet usage expands rapidly across the country.
He noted that while digital platforms offer opportunities for learning, creativity and communication, they also expose young users to cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation, misuse of personal data and emerging risks linked to artificial intelligence tools.
Tijani explained that public participation will play an important role in shaping any eventual regulations. The government is examining possible measures including minimum age limits for social media access, stronger age-verification systems, greater responsibility for digital platforms and enhanced regulatory oversight.
The proposed move could place Nigeria among several countries that have recently adopted stricter rules on children’s access to social media.
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In Australia, authorities introduced a ban in December 2025 that prevents users under 16 from accessing major social media platforms. The regulation affects services such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
Similarly, Indonesia has announced plans to limit social media use for children under the age of 16, while Denmark is preparing legislation that would prohibit access for users younger than 15.
Lawmakers in France have also passed a bill that would restrict social media access for children under 15, a policy backed by President Emmanuel Macron as part of efforts to reduce excessive screen time and improve online safety.
The Nigerian government said the outcome of the consultation will guide the development of future regulations aimed at protecting minors while ensuring responsible digital access.
