By Juliet Umeh
As online scams and financial sextortion cases continue to rise across Africa, Meta has taken a proactive step toward curbing digital crimes by hosting “The Future of Online Safety Summit” in Abuja, Nigeria.
The two-day summit brought together key players from government, law enforcement, civil society, and the private sector to find real, workable solutions to the rapidly evolving threats facing users online.
The event was designed as more than a talk shop, it was a strategy hub focused on problem-solving, prevention, and partnership. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, participants explored how technology, policy, and collaboration can be leveraged to make the internet safer for millions of Africans.
Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Türkiye at Meta, Kojo Boakye, emphasized the company’s shift toward victim-centered, technology-driven solutions, noting that Meta’s platforms now use enhanced tools to detect and disrupt scams such as financial sextortion.
Boakye said: “We’re committed to building safer online spaces. Our approach combines advanced technology with expert collaboration, enabling us to better understand and counter the evolving tactics of online offenders.”
The summit showcased how proactive cooperation among stakeholders can yield measurable impact. Law enforcement agencies, including Nigeria’s National Cyber Crime Centre and NAPTIP, discussed joint case efforts that have disrupted criminal networks operating across borders.
Director-General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello highlighted Meta’s longstanding partnership in protecting vulnerable users:
“Meta’s collaboration has been instrumental in our efforts against online exploitation. This summit reinforces the importance of public-private partnerships in securing Nigeria’s digital space.”
Delegates also discussed the role of education, local awareness campaigns, and grassroots youth engagement as vital tools for prevention. By tailoring safety messages to local languages and cultural contexts, experts believe more Nigerians can recognize scams and avoid falling victim.
Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and Head of the Cybercrimes Prosecutions Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Jamila Akaaga Ade, described the summit as a model of collective responsibility.
“A whole-of-society approach is essential. Collaboration with platforms like Meta is the key to ensuring that cyber offenses are identified and addressed before they spread,” she said.
Throughout the sessions, participants
explored practical solutions, from improved reporting tools and stricter digital policies to multi-agency cooperation, all aimed at strengthening Africa’s digital resilience.
By combining innovation with accountability, Meta’s Future of Online Safety Summit offered a clear message: the fight against digital crime is winnable when governments, private companies, and citizens unite behind a shared mission, to make the online world safer for everyone.
