Nigeria’s lawmakers are moving to protect children from online dangers, as the House of Representatives gears up to pass the Child Online Access Protection Bill.
The proposed legislation aims to curb online violence against minors and establish regulatory measures to ensure safer internet use among children.
Sponsor of the bill and Chairman of the House Committee on Justice, Hon. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun), disclosed this during a joint media briefing on Thursday with House Spokesman Hon. Akin Rotimi. Osoba noted that similar laws are already in place in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and Brazil, adding:
“It’s the practice all over the world to protect children from harmful online materials and undue exploitation. Nigeria should not be an exception.”
The bill provides for the appointment of an e-commissioner in each implementing agency, tasked with tracking, monitoring, and blocking harmful online content.
Rotimi explained that while the bill was initially slated for consideration at Thursday’s plenary, it was deferred due to the volume of legislative business. He assured that it will be taken up next week.
“This is a laudable piece of legislation which must be supported by all. The House is fully committed to passing it and forwarding it to the Senate for concurrence and eventual presidential assent”.
He emphasized that the welfare of children is a top priority for the 10th House of Representatives.
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