Abuja — A UNICEF-supported study has warned of rising risks of online sexual abuse against children in Nigeria and called for stronger protection systems to address threats in digital spaces.
The findings were presented at a four-day national review and validation exercise 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 assess policies and frameworks aimed at strengthening protection for vulnerable groups nationwide.
Dr Ebunoluwa Jaiyesimi, a research consultant, presented the study during a session on child protection and support services for survivors of sexual violence.
The report examined Nigeria’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) model, which offers survivors medical, psychosocial and legal support.
It said the number of SARC centres had grown from one in 2013 to 52 across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The centres provide medical treatment, counselling, forensic services and referrals for comprehensive survivor support and recovery.
The study found that survivors and their families valued SARCs for offering safe, confidential and accessible care tailored to victims’ needs.
It also noted that the centres had improved service delivery by combining multiple forms of support in one location and reducing barriers to access.
However, the report identified online grooming, sexual extortion, cyberbullying involving sexual content and the circulation of child sexual abuse materials as emerging threats.
It said responses to online abuse were still at a developmental stage and required stronger institutional frameworks to protect children from digital exploitation.
The study observed that the SARC model already provides a strong foundation for tackling abuse linked to digital platforms and online interactions.
Participants in the discussion included UNICEF Nigeria officials, including Mona Aika, Officer-in-Charge and Chief Child Protection, and Dr Godwin Chinedu Odo, Child Protection Specialist.
The report also identified stigma, underreporting and financial constraints as major barriers preventing many survivors from accessing support services.
It further highlighted gaps in referral pathways and coordination mechanisms in some states, which affect the effectiveness of response systems.
The study recommended stronger collaboration among health, justice and women’s affairs institutions to improve child protection and survivor support.
It also called for better forensic capacity, specialised training and legislative reforms to address online sexual abuse and exploitation.
The report urged sustainable funding for Sexual Assault Referral Centres and the expansion of services to underserved communities.
According to the study, effective child protection requires responsive systems that can address both physical and online abuse.
