Group Urges Federal Government to Regulate Social Media to Protect Cultural, Religious Values

The National President of the Peace Revival and Reconciliation Foundation of Nigeria, Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, has called on the Federal Government to urgently establish a regulatory framework for social media to safeguard Nigeria’s cultural, religious, and traditional values.

In a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna, Tijjani expressed deep concern over the growing influence of unregulated digital content on Nigeria’s moral and cultural fabric. She argued that the unchecked spread of foreign ideologies and explicit material on social media platforms poses a threat to the nation’s social cohesion and ethical standards.

“There is an urgent need to monitor and control many of the posts shared online. Citizens must be educated on the importance of responsible communication in the digital space,” she stated.

Tijjani, who is also an Interfaith Specialist and President of the Foundation for the Protection of Women and Children in Nigeria, recommended the creation of a dedicated regulatory body similar to the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which currently oversees traditional broadcast media.

She emphasized that such a body would be responsible for monitoring, moderating, and enforcing content guidelines on social media platforms, ensuring that what is consumed online aligns with Nigeria’s core values.

“The circulation of divisive, harmful, and morally corrosive content—often packaged in entertainment—has become widespread. Without clear regulation, we risk raising a generation disconnected from our cultural identity and susceptible to online radicalisation,” she warned.

Tijjani also called on mobile network providers and tech companies operating in Nigeria to actively collaborate with authorities in curbing the spread of hate speech, especially content disseminated in indigenous languages that often go undetected by automated moderation tools.

She urged the Federal Government to partner with civil society organisations, faith-based groups, traditional leaders, and non-governmental organisations to launch coordinated nationwide awareness campaigns on digital responsibility.

“These campaigns should educate citizens, especially youths, on the consequences of spreading misinformation, inciting violence, or promoting cultural erosion through online platforms,” she said.

Addressing the role of families, Tijjani encouraged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children’s internet usage, highlighting the risk of exposure to explicit or culturally inappropriate content. She stressed that proper parental oversight is critical in shielding children from adopting foreign lifestyles that conflict with Nigerian norms and values.

The peace advocate also called on media organisations and influencers to support ongoing efforts aimed at creating a safer and more culturally conscious digital environment.

“A regulated online space is not about censorship; it is about creating boundaries that foster unity, peacebuilding, and national development,” she added.

Tijjani’s comments reflect a growing concern among stakeholders over the impact of social media on public morality, youth behavior, and national security. Her appeal adds to ongoing debates about the balance between free expression and cultural preservation in the digital age.