The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the digital rights of Nigerians, particularly children, at the 2024 Child Online Safety Protection and Reporting of Abuse (COSPRA) Summit. Organized by the Ndukwe Kalu Foundation (NKF), the summit brought together experts, advocates, and stakeholders to tackle the pressing issue of protecting children in an increasingly digital world.

Representing the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, was Ibukunoluwa Owa, a dedicated legal officer from the Commission’s Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations Department. Owa’s presence at the summit resonated deeply with the audience as she delivered a goodwill message highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of children in cyberspace.

“Children today have unprecedented access to the internet, which, while opening doors to knowledge and global interaction, also exposes them to significant risks,” Owa stated. She painted a vivid picture of the dangers, ranging from cyberbullying and online grooming to exposure to harmful content. These threats, she warned, could lead to long-term mental health challenges and other devastating consequences for young users.

Owa went on to stress the critical role of the NDPC in mitigating these risks, noting that the Commission actively ensures that data controllers and processors implement stringent measures to protect children’s data. She called for a collaborative approach to safeguarding the next generation, emphasizing parental involvement, digital literacy programs, and robust cybersecurity frameworks.

Her message was not merely theoretical; it was a call to action for parents, educators, policymakers, and tech companies. “The internet should be a place of discovery and growth, not fear and danger,” Owa remarked passionately.

The summit also featured a high-profile panel discussion on “Privacy and Data Protection,” where Owa shared insights and practical recommendations. She highlighted the importance of building awareness among parents and educators, equipping them to guide children in navigating the digital world responsibly. She also emphasized the need to teach children themselves about the principles of privacy and the steps they can take to stay safe online.

For attendees, Owa’s contributions were both enlightening and sobering. Many noted her balanced approach—acknowledging the immense benefits of the internet while calling attention to the urgent need for safeguards.

The COSPRA Summit 2024, a landmark event in the child protection calendar, reinforced the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to create a safer online environment. With the NDPC leading the charge, the message was clear: protecting children in the digital age is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative.