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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing youth online safety and digital literacy through a strengthened strategic collaboration with Meta Platforms Inc., as Nigeria accelerates efforts to build a trusted, inclusive, and resilient digital economy.
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This commitment was restated by the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, during the Youth Safety Summit organised by Meta in Abuja.
Stakeholders Unite to Protect Young Nigerians Online
The Summit brought together stakeholders from government, industry, civil society organisations, and the education sector to strengthen collaborative action toward ensuring that young Nigerians enjoy safe, age-appropriate, and positive online experiences.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the Youth Online Safety Campaign and My Digital World (MDW) 2.0, initiatives jointly developed by Meta, NITDA, and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.
Alignment with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Represented by the Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building Department, Dr Ahmed Tambuwal, Abdullahi noted that NITDA’s collaboration with Meta strongly aligns with Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—particularly the priorities of reforming the economy for inclusive growth and strengthening national security through robust cybersecurity frameworks that enhance digital trust.
He explained that building a digitally skilled population capable of safely navigating online spaces is fundamental to unlocking innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic opportunity in the digital age.
Digital Literacy and Online Safety Are Inseparable
Speaking on the Summit’s theme, “Advancing Youth Online Safety Through Collaborative Action,” Abdullahi stressed that safeguarding young people online is a shared responsibility.
While digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for learning, innovation, and social connection, he noted that young people can only fully benefit when equipped with the knowledge and skills to engage safely and responsibly.
“At NITDA, we believe that digital literacy and online safety are inseparable. Teaching digital skills without embedding responsible, ethical, and safe online behaviour leaves our work incomplete,” he stated.
National Digital Literacy Framework Targets 95% by 2030
Abdullahi explained that this philosophy is embedded in NITDA’s National Digital Literacy Framework (NDLF) and the agency’s flagship Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which targets 70 per cent digital literacy by 2027 and 95 per cent by 2030.
He disclosed that online safety, digital citizenship, privacy, digital wellbeing, critical thinking, and artificial intelligence literacy are now treated as core competencies within the framework.
“These are no longer optional topics; they are essential skills every Nigerian must possess to thrive in the digital era,” he said.
Impact of the NITDA–Meta Collaboration
Abdullahi described the growing partnership between NITDA and Meta as a model for effective public-private collaboration in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation.
Over the past year, both organisations jointly implemented the Youth Online Safety and Wellbeing Campaign, which reached over 94 million people and generated more than 216 million impressions across Facebook and Instagram. The campaign delivered practical guidance on online safety, privacy protection, digital wellbeing, and responsible internet use.
The collaboration also extended to activities marking Safer Internet Day, where members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were engaged and empowered as advocates of responsible digital behaviour within their communities.
MDW 2.0 to Be Integrated Nationwide
Describing My Digital World 2.0 as a strategic platform, Abdullahi said the programme offers an opportunity to institutionalise online safety education within Nigeria’s broader digital literacy ecosystem.
NITDA plans to integrate MDW 2.0 into its teacher capacity-building initiatives, strengthen resources for its nationwide network of Digital Literacy Champions, and expand awareness through partnerships with state governments, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, and community stakeholders.
“Children’s online safety goes beyond secure platforms—it requires informed parents, empowered educators, and digitally confident communities,” he noted.
Towards a Safer and Inclusive Digital Future
Abdullahi described the launch as the start of a deeper partnership between government and industry aimed at preparing a new generation of digitally skilled, responsible, and resilient Nigerians.
He reaffirmed NITDA’s commitment to working with Meta and other stakeholders to build a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem where innovation thrives and opportunities are accessible to all.
Also in attendance were the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, both of whom reaffirmed their ministries’ commitment to fostering a safe and enabling digital environment for young Nigerians.
