A new report has identified Twitter (X) as the leading platform for online harm in Nigeria, with 34 per cent of users reporting negative experiences such as cyberbullying, misinformation, and harassment.
Advocacy lead at Gatefield, Ms. Shirley Ewang disclosed this information to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
According to Science Nigeria, the “State of Online Harms in Nigeria” report, conducted by Gatefield with support from Luminate, highlights the growing risks associated with social media use in the country.
Ewang said that the study, which surveyed over 500 Nigerians, found that women and young people aged 25–34 were disproportionately affected, with 58 per cent experiencing some form of online abuse.
Despite widespread reports of harmful content, 31 per cent of Nigerians say such content is often never removed, raising concerns about the effectiveness of content moderation by major tech companies.
She emphasised the need for stronger interventions. “These findings are not just statistics – they represent real people facing online abuse, misinformation and harassment every day.”
“Tech platforms must do more to protect users, and policymakers need to step in where platforms fail,” she added.
The report also highlights that while 60 per cent of Nigerians have reported experiencing online harm, most believe no action was taken in response.
Twitter (X) was ranked as the worst offender, followed by Facebook (29 per cent) and WhatsApp (12 per cent). In contrast, Instagram was found to be the most responsive platform, with 26 per cent of respondents stating it effectively addresses complaints.
Ewang noted that the lack of transparency in content moderation and accountability among tech giants remains a significant concern.
“Many Nigerians believe these platforms are profiting from users without ensuring their safety,” she remarked.
Beyond online abuse, misinformation was flagged as the biggest digital threat in Nigeria, with 99 per cent of respondents identifying fake news as a major concern. Additionally, 91 per cent of Nigerians believe that Big Tech has too much power over democracy, raising fears about the role of digital platforms in shaping public opinion and governance.
Experts at the event warned that unchecked misinformation could have devastating consequences for national security, elections, and public health.
Digital rights advocates called for stronger policies to regulate content moderation and ensure that tech companies are held accountable.
As Nigeria continues to navigate the digital age, the report calls for urgent action from social media companies, civil society organisations, and policymakers to protect citizens from online harms and create a safer digital environment.
