A report by Gatefield sheds light on the alarming state of online harms in Nigeria.
The “State of Online Harms in Nigeria 2024” report highlights the growing threat of cyberbullying, hate speech, misinformation, and fake news, disproportionately affecting women and young Nigerians.
Women Face Disproportionate Online Abuse
According to the report, 58% of Nigerian women experience online harm, making them the primary victims of digital abuse compared to men (42%).
The internet, once seen as a space for connection and empowerment, has instead become a hostile environment for many Nigerian women as they mostly face online attacks such as cyberbullying, revenge pornography, and scams.
Aside women, the “digital generation” is also subjected to online abuse.
According to the report, 26% of Nigerians aged 25–34 experience the highest rates of online harms.
Although exposure to the internet offers opportunities, this exposure has also made them more susceptible to online abuse, misinformation, and cyber threats.
X and Facebook Identified as Hotspots for Online Abuse
Gatefield’s findings reveal that X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook are the platforms where most online abuse occurs, with 34% of reported cases on X and 29% on Facebook.
Yet both platforms often overlook the complaints of such cases which means they fail to protect their users.
Instagram is seen as the most responsive platform for online harm complaints as 26% of Nigerians reported positive experiences with Instagram’s approach to tackling abuse.
Fake News and Misinformation Fueling Digital Chaos
Beyond direct online abuse, 99% of respondents identified fake news as the biggest online threat, with 95% citing misinformation as a major concern.
The issue of fake news is a growing concern for the continent.
According to Knowbe4’s “African Cybersecurity & Awareness Report 2025“, 37% of Africans fall for fake news or a disinformation campaign.
It poses significant risks to Africa’s digital landscape, increasing tensions and eroding trust in online information sources.
For example, fake news led to the 2022 farmer-herder clashes in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria.
Conclusion
The Gatefield report highlights an urgent need for stricter regulations, improved platform policies, and better digital literacy programs to address the rising online threats in Nigeria.
As online spaces continue to evolve, ensuring the safety of users, particularly women and young people, must become a priority.
Until then, the fight for a safer internet in Africa is far from over.
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