The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun consultations on plans to introduce age restrictions for social media use, part of a broader effort to improve online safety for children. The initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, includes a public survey inviting parents, teachers, young people, and digital experts to share their views on how best to regulate children’s access to social media platforms while preserving the benefits of internet use.
Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said the government aims to better protect minors as internet usage continues to grow across the country. He noted that while the internet offers 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 threats linked to artificial intelligence.
Tijani explained that feedback from the consultation will help shape possible measures, including age limits for social media users, stronger age-verification systems, increased accountability for digital platforms, and tighter regulatory oversight.
Nigeria’s move comes as several countries tighten rules around children’s access to social media. For instance, Australia introduced a ban on social media for users under 16 in December 2025, affecting platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Similarly, Indonesia is considering a ban for children under 16, while Denmark and France are preparing legislation that would restrict social media access for users under 15 as part of efforts to curb excessive screen time and strengthen child safety online.
