Coalition urges National Assembly to act on Child Online Access Protection Bill
By Franca Ochigbo, Abuja The National Online Safety Coalition has called on the National Assembly to prioritise the bill on Child Online Access Protection to protect children in the digital
By Franca Ochigbo, Abuja
The National Online Safety Coalition has called on the National Assembly to prioritise the bill on Child Online Access Protection to protect children in the digital environment.
It stated that it is a situation of urgency that the bill should be advanced without delay.
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In a statement signed by Shirley Ewang, the Advocacy Lead, Gatefield, said children are navigating a digital ecosystem where risks such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to harmful content are part of their online experiences.
“These provisions move beyond intention to reality with enforceable protection for children online. Children remain exposed to risks that threaten their safety, well-being, and long-term development. Every day, this action leaves children vulnerable which is why the Senate must act now.
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“While momentum has been built with the bill’s passage in the House of Representatives, this progress must be matched with timely action in the Senate. Passage of the bill by Children’s Day would be a meaningful gift to Nigerian children, signalling the Senate’s commitment to their protection and well-being,” she said.
Quoting the State of Online Harms report, she added: “Around 90 per cent of Nigerian children surveyed are reportedly exposed to at least one form of online harm, with 89 per cent report receiving unsolicited sexual content or requests. These figures underscore not only widespread exposure but active targeting of children in digital spaces.
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‘’Despite the scale of these risks, existing regulatory and institutional frameworks remain insufficient. Harmful content often persists even after being reported, revealing significant gaps in platform accountability and enforcement.
Exploitation of children online remains widespread. Without a clear and enforceable framework.”
Executive Director of DigiCivic Initiative, Mojirayo Ogunlana, said, these risks would continue to expand, with long-term consequences for the safety and well-being of Nigerian children, as the Child Online Access Protection Bill establishes a clear, enforceable framework by defining harmful content, empowering rapid takedown, imposing penalties for non-compliance, and mandating annual transparency report to strengthen oversight and public trust.
