FG to introduce regulated internet access for under-16s – Alausa

The Nigerian government is preparing to introduce regulated internet access for children below the age of 16 as part of efforts to strengthen online child protection, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has said, according to a report by WION.

Alausa made the disclosure in Abuja during the launch of the government’s Initiative for Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content in Nigeria, clarifying that the measure does not amount to an outright internet ban for children. He said further details on the planned framework would be announced by relevant security authorities in the coming days or weeks, without specifying whether it would involve content filtering, parental controls, age verification or restrictions imposed through internet service providers.

The minister stressed that online content accessible to children should be appropriate, credible and safe, and aligned with educational objectives. The announcement coincides with a separate plan to provide students with free daily data for educational platforms from October 1, 2026.