Meta has wrapped up “The Future of Online Safety Summit” in Abuja, Nigeria, a two-day forum focused on tackling the growing menace of financial sextortion, cyber fraud, and other digital crimes across Africa. The event brought together policymakers, law enforcement officials, civil society leaders, and private sector experts to strengthen regional collaboration and develop innovative strategies for safer online experiences.
By spotlighting local leadership, regional expertise, and collective action, the summit underscored Africa’s role not just as a hub for digital innovation but as a frontrunner in combating emerging online threats. Participants highlighted the success of multi-agency task forces such as the Joint Case Team on Cybercrimes (JCTC), which have been instrumental in disrupting fraudulent operations and protecting vulnerable users.
Kojo Boakye, Vice President, Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye at Meta, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to online safety.
“We’re committed to victim-centred, technology-driven solutions that make online spaces safer. We’ve developed a range of features to combat digital crimes like sextortion scams on our platforms, working closely with experts and law enforcement professionals who have deep experience in fighting these crimes to understand tactics of these bad actors and design and implement effective solutions to stop them,” he said.
Meta continues to strengthen its safety measures across its platforms, including strict community standards, policies against human exploitation, and clear frameworks addressing child protection, scams, and fraud prevention.
Binta L. Adamu Bello, Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), praised Meta’s partnership and commitment to online safety, saying, “We commend Meta for convening this summit and for its continuous partnership with NAPTIP and other law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. Meta’s commitment to online safety, digital responsibility, and cooperation with government institutions is deeply appreciated. Meta has been one of NAPTIP’s most valued allies in its effort. Meta’s support has proven that public-private collaboration is essential to protecting vulnerable people online.”
At the summit, Meta also showcased its advanced content detection and moderation technologies, along with tools that allow users to control their experiences, report harmful content, and block unwanted interactions.
Jamila Akaaga Ade, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Cybercrimes Prosecutions Unit at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Justice, emphasised the importance of collaboration in her remarks “The significance of multi-stakeholder partnerships cannot be overstated. This timely summit comes at a crucial moment, as stakeholders, particularly the joint case team on cybercrimes, must collaborate closely with platforms like Meta.
“Embracing a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is essential to prevent offensive content that constitutes cyber offenses from taking root and proliferating in our cyberspace. We extend our gratitude to Meta for organising this important summit. It is our collective hope that, through this gathering, we will leave with a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision of a safer, more secure digital world for all.”
The event also explored proactive prevention strategies, such as public awareness campaigns, stronger penalties for offenders, and digital safety initiatives tailored to local communities and languages. With a strong emphasis on youth education and grassroots participation, “The Future of Online Safety Summit” highlighted how united action across technology companies, telecom providers, NGOs, and government agencies can create lasting impact in the fight against digital crimes in Africa.
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