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The Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Hon. Olumide Osoba, has renewed calls for the speedy passage of the Child Online Access Protection Bill (HB 244), saying the legislation is vital to shielding Nigerian children from the growing wave of cyberbullying, exploitation, and harmful digital content. Speaking at the Child Online Safety Forum in Abuja, organized by Gatefield and Paradigm Initiative, Osoba described the Bill as a “comprehensive framework” that would safeguard children’s rights and dignity in the digital environment. He said, “As a legislator and as a parent, I am deeply concerned about the increasing risks our children face online,” he said. “The internet, though an extraordinary tool for education, innovation, and social connection, has also become a space where children encounter cyberbullying, online grooming, identity theft, exploitation, and harmful content that threaten their safety, dignity, and mental health.” The lawmaker explained that the proposed legislation seeks to mandate internet service providers to block access to violent or exploitative material, penalize perpetrators of online grooming and cyberbullying, and promote digital literacy and online safety education for parents, teachers, and children. “While Nigeria has made commendable progress through initiatives such as the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), the vulnerabilities of children in cyberspace remain unique and urgent,” Osoba noted. “This Bill will close those gaps and ensure that our children can explore the internet safely and confidently.” He stressed that protecting children online should not be seen solely as a government responsibility but as a collective social duty involving all sectors of society. “This effort is not merely about legislation; it is about building a culture of online responsibility,” Osoba stated. “Protecting children online is a shared moral and social responsibility, one that demands unity of purpose and decisive action.” The legislator warned that inaction could have devastating consequences. “For every child we fail to protect, a digital predator succeeds,” he cautioned. “The trauma, exploitation, and loss of innocence that result from online abuse are too grave to ignore.” Osoba commended the organizers of the forum for convening what he described as a “timely and necessary conversation” and urged stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and advocacy for the Bill’s passage. “Together, through informed legislation, proactive policy, and collaborative advocacy, we can ensure that Nigeria sets a strong precedent for digital child protection across Africa,” he said. “The Child Online Access Protection Bill represents a new dawn, a commitment to a safer, more inclusive, and more accountable digital Nigeria.” He made a passionate appeal, saying, “Let us act now, not out of fear of technology, but out of love for our children and faith in the brighter digital future they deserve.” ALSO READ: Kano ministry of education denies report on recruitment of 3,917 teachers Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, noted that the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Bill is a vital legal framework aimed at protecting individuals’ personal data, especially vulnerable groups like children. Represented by the Director of Women and Child Protection, Ngozi Ojukwu, explained that this legislation emphasizes the importance of securing personal information from misuse and unauthorized access. “It also mandates organizations, including tech providers, to implement robust data security measures, privacy policies and ageappropriate protections. “The Bill is instrumental in setting standards for responsible data handling and ensuring that children’s digital interactions are safeguarded against exploitation and abuse.” “The rapid evolution of technology has brought unprecedented opportunities for learning, communication and development. “However, it also exposes our children to emerging risks such as cyber bullying, grooming, sextortion, exposure to illicit content and other forms of sexual exploitation. These threats demand robust safeguards, legislative action and active community engagement.” On her part, the Senior Programme Officer at Paradigm Initiative highlighted the evolution of their work, saying work was driven by a digital inclusion, where we started. “But as our work grew, we learned and understood that access alone is not enough. What is a good opportunity if it exposes you? What is the value of inclusion if it does not guarantee protection?” She stressed the organization’s shift in focus towards defending digital rights, noting that over 17 years, they have worked to strengthen capacity in government institutions, lawyers, journalists, and civil society organizations. The Senior Programme Officer also stressed the importance of protecting children online, stating, “Our children, the next generation, are growing up online… The internet offers possibilities, but it also exposes us to danger. We must protect them and ensure the digital space empowers, rather than endangers.” She appealed for a call to action, “Let it be a shared promise that no child will have to trade safety for access, and we will secure our future for tomorrow.” NIGERIAN TRIBUNE EXPOSED!! POPULAR ABUJA DOCTOR REVEALED HOW NIGERIA MEN CAN NOW NATURALLY AND PERMANENTLY CURE POOR ERECTION,QUICK EJACULATION, SMALL AND SHAMEFUL SIZE , WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS. EVEN IF YOU ARE HYPERTENSIVE,DIABETES, OR BATTLING PROSTRATE...STOP THE USE OF HARD DRUG FOR SEX!! IT KILLS!. WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV Back to School, Back to Business A Fresh Start Relationship Hangout: Public vs Private Proposals – Which Truly Wins in Love?
