BY OUR REPORTER—Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has outlined practical steps families can take to shield minors from unsafe material online, calling for stronger involvement from guardians and key stakeholders.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, he noted that while digital platforms continue to evolve worldwide, their cross-border reach makes oversight increasingly challenging.
He stressed that the first layer of protection lies in mindful digital habits at home, explaining that he applies firm controls on his own children’s device usage to restrict access to unsuitable content.
Maida also pointed out that many platforms offer in-app tools for flagging abuse, harassment, and inappropriate posts, urging greater awareness and use of these features by the public.
On the regulatory front, he revealed that the NCC has updated its Internet Code of Practice to enhance supervision, enabling the commission to mandate the removal of content considered unsafe or offensive through service providers.
Beyond enforcement, he emphasized collective responsibility, encouraging users to actively report harmful material to support regulatory efforts.
He further highlighted joint initiatives with agencies such as the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) aimed at strengthening online safety and reducing exposure to damaging content.
Reassuring the public, Maida said regulators are intensifying efforts to safeguard at-risk groups, especially young users and those with limited digital awareness, noting that authorities remain vigilant in addressing online threats.
