A recent study has identified X (formerly Twitter) as the leading social media platform where Nigerians suffer from online harm. The report reveals that 34% of users on X have encountered issues ranging from cyberbullying and harassment to the spread of misinformation.
The findings were unveiled in Abuja by Shirley Ewang, Advocacy Lead at Gatefield, who stressed the urgent need for stronger interventions to safeguard digital users. The comprehensive report, titled The State of Online Harms in Nigeria, was conducted by Gatefield in collaboration with Luminate and is based on a survey of more than 500 Nigerians.
The study highlights that certain groups are more vulnerable to online abuse. Young adults between the ages of 25 and 34, as well as women, are disproportionately affected—58% of respondents in these groups reported experiencing some form of online abuse. Despite the prevalence of harmful content, a striking 31% of those surveyed stated that such content remains online without any action being taken by the respective platforms.
“These findings are not merely statistics; they represent real people who face daily challenges from online abuse, misinformation, and harassment. It is imperative that tech platforms step up their efforts to protect users, and that policymakers intervene when these platforms fall short,” Ewang asserted.
The report further indicates that 60% of Nigerians have personally reported cases of online harm, yet a majority of these individuals believe that their complaints have not been adequately addressed. Among the platforms examined, X (formerly Twitter) was deemed the worst in managing and mitigating harmful content. Facebook followed with 29% of users reporting issues, while WhatsApp accounted for 12%. In contrast, Instagram was noted as the most responsive platform, with 26% of users acknowledging its effective handling of complaints.
A significant concern raised by the study is the opaque nature of content moderation practices employed by major tech companies. Many Nigerians are of the view that these platforms often prioritize profit over user safety, leaving harmful content unaccountable.
Misinformation emerged as the most critical digital threat, with an overwhelming 99% of respondents identifying fake news as a serious issue. Moreover, 91% of those surveyed expressed apprehension that large tech companies hold too much sway over democratic processes, fueling fears about their role in shaping public opinion and influencing governance.
Experts at the launch of the report warned that the unchecked spread of misinformation could have far-reaching consequences for national security, the integrity of elections, and public health. Digital rights advocates are calling for the introduction of stronger regulatory measures to ensure tech companies are held accountable and that their content moderation policies are significantly improved.
As Nigeria’s digital landscape continues to expand, the report serves as a clarion call for social media companies, civil society organizations, and policymakers to work collaboratively in creating a safer online environment for all users.
