The Federal Government has commenced a nationwide consultation on the possible introduction of age limits for social media use in Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen the protection of children online.
The initiative was announced on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, which invited members of the public to share their views on how young people should access and use social media platforms.
According to the ministry, the consultation is designed to gather perspectives from parents, teachers, young users, technology professionals and other stakeholders before any policy decision is made.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the process is aimed at developing a balanced approach that safeguards minors from digital threats while preserving the benefits of online connectivity for learning, communication and innovation.
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He noted that although the internet provides vast opportunities for education and creativity, it also exposes children and teenagers to risks including cyberbullying, harmful content, online exploitation and privacy breaches.
The consultation will help the government evaluate possible measures such as setting minimum age requirements for social media platforms, strengthening age-verification systems and improving the accountability of digital companies operating in the country.
The move reflects increasing global concern over the influence of social media on young users and the need for stronger safeguards in the digital space.
Officials say feedback from the consultation will guide future decisions on whether Nigeria should introduce age restrictions or other regulatory measures to better protect minors as internet use continues to grow across the country.