Nigerian Child Online Protection (COP)

Child Online Protection (COP) is a global initiative launched by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in November 2008 to ensure the safety of children in the digital space. The initiative aims to address the growing risks children face online, such as cyberbullying, exploitation, and exposure to inappropriate content. In 2009, the ITU released its first set of COP guidelines, which were later revised in July 2020 in response to the increased online activity of children during the COVID-19 pandemic. With remote learning becoming the norm, more children than ever were exposed to the internet, highlighting the urgent need for updated and localized safety measures.

In Nigeria, the National Communications Commission (NCC) has taken significant steps to adapt these global guidelines to the local context. The Commission organized a virtual hangout with children to gather their input and ensure the revised guidelines were relevant and accessible to Nigerian youth. As a result, several localized resources were developed, including:

Online With AGENT COP: An interactive guide to help children navigate the internet safely.
Online Safety Activity Book – Work with Agent COP: A workbook designed to educate children about online safety through engaging activities.
Online Safety Activity Book – Teacher’s Guide: A companion guide for educators to facilitate lessons on digital safety.
What You Need to Know About Cyberbullying: A resource to help children and parents understand and combat cyberbullying.

To ensure widespread accessibility, these materials were translated into Nigeria’s major languages, including Pidgin (Pi), Yoruba (Wa), Hausa (Zo), and Igbo (Bia), collectively known as the PiWaZoBia collection. These resources are available for free download, making them accessible to children, parents, and educators across the country.

Bongo FM : I had a very productive discussion during power bank show on new developments regarding Child Online Protection (COP) project

Among others, I spoke of the plan we have to come up with control measures such as parental controls, Kids SIM Card and content filters on… pic.twitter.com/ioISR7Dv5h
— Yusuph Kileo (@YusuphKileo) February 21, 2025

National Child Online Protection Policy and Strategy (NCOPPS)

The NCC has played a leading role in developing Nigeria’s National Child Online Protection Policy and Strategy (NCOPPS). Chaired by the NCC and co-chaired by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), a committee was established by the Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to draft this critical policy. The committee included key stakeholders such as:

Federal Ministry of Justice (FMoJ)
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (FMoW)
Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON)
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP)
Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN)
Network Against Scam and Cybercrime

The committee’s mandate was to build on existing COP initiatives, align with global best practices, and strengthen Nigeria’s child protection ecosystem. The NCOPPS document, once finalized, will serve as a comprehensive framework to safeguard children online and will be made available to the public.

Keeping Children Safe Online – Advice for Parents and Caregivers

As part of its commitment to child online safety, the NCC also adopted and localized the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL) International Edition of the COVID-19 Online Safety Advice for Parents and Carers. This effort resulted in the creation of a tailored document titled “Keeping Children Safe Online – Advice for Parents and Caregivers.” This resource provides practical tips and strategies to help parents and caregivers protect their children from online risks, especially during periods of increased internet usage, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why Child Online Protection Matters

The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning, communication, and creativity, but it also poses significant risks, particularly for children. With the rise of cyberbullying, online predators, and exposure to harmful content, it is crucial to equip children, parents, and educators with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the digital world safely. The NCC’s efforts, including the development of localized resources and the NCOPPS, demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to creating a safer online environment for its youngest citizens.

The Nigerian Child Online Protection (COP) initiative is a critical effort aimed at protecting the Nigerian child from the dangers of online technology. In today’s digital age, where children are increasingly exposed to risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and privacy breaches, this initiative provides essential resources, develops comprehensive policies, and engages key stakeholders to create a safer online environment. The National Communications Commission (NCC) is at the forefront of this mission, working tirelessly to protect the Nigerian child from online threats. Parents, caregivers, and educators are encouraged to utilize these resources to educate children about online safety and shield them from potential harm. Together, we can build a secure digital world where Nigerian children can explore, learn, and grow without fear, ensuring their well-being in an increasingly connected world.