A UNICEF-supported study has highlighted growing risks of online sexual abuse facing children in Nigeria and called for stronger protection systems to address emerging threats in digital spaces.

The findings were presented during a four-day national review and validation exercise held in Abuja under the National Policy Forum for Women, Children, Families and Vulnerable Groups. The forum was organised by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to review policies and frameworks aimed at strengthening protection for vulnerable populations nationwide. Representatives of UNICEF Nigeria were present.

Dr Ebunoluwa Jaiyesimi, a research consultant, presented the study during a session focused on child protection and support services for survivors of sexual violence. The study examined Nigeria’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) model, which provides comprehensive services for survivors, including medical, psychosocial, and legal support.

While highlighting the significance and achievements of the referral centres, the report aslo identified online grooming, sexual extortion, cyberbullying involving sexual content, and the circulation of child sexual abuse materials as emerging threats. It emphasised that responses to online abuse was still at a developmental stage and required stronger institutional frameworks to effectively safeguard children from digital exploitation.

The study recommended stronger collaboration among health, justice and women affairs institutions to improve child protection responses and support for survivors. It also called for improved forensic capabilities, specialised professional training, and legislative reforms to better address online sexual abuse and exploitation.

According to the study, effective child protection requires responsive systems capable of addressing both physical and online forms of abuse confronting children.