The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting online safety and data protection among young Nigerians through strategic partnerships with global technology firms and other stakeholders.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stated this while participating in the Nigeria Youth Online Safety Summit held in Abuja, where he joined representatives of Meta and other stakeholders to discuss measures aimed at creating a safer digital environment for Nigerian youths.
According to the minister, the summit provided an opportunity to advance conversations around digital safety at a time when increasing numbers of young Nigerians are leveraging online platforms for education, entrepreneurship, innovation and access to economic opportunities.
Olawande highlighted the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s National Youth Data Protection and Awareness Training Programme, describing it as a key initiative designed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the digital space safely and responsibly.
He said the programme focuses on educating youths on how to protect their personal data, safeguard their digital identities, identify online threats and make responsible use of technology.
The minister added that the initiative is also creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians within the rapidly growing data protection sector.
“As young Nigerians increasingly use digital platforms to learn, create, do business and access opportunities, it is important that they also have the knowledge and tools to stay safe online,” he said.
Olawande noted that collaboration between government, technology companies and development partners remains critical to ensuring that Nigerian youths are not only digitally connected but also digitally aware, responsible and protected.
He expressed optimism about deepening cooperation with Meta and other stakeholders to expand digital literacy and online safety programmes across the country.
The minister further stressed the need to build a secure digital ecosystem that enables young Nigerians to learn, innovate and thrive without exposing themselves to avoidable online risks.
The Nigeria Youth Online Safety Summit brought together policymakers, technology experts, youth advocates and industry stakeholders to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital space, with a focus on protecting young internet users.
