45% of women in Nigeria have experienced cyberstalking, according to Actionaid Nigeria.
Besides, 10.6% is said to have faced doxing, which is revealing a person’s private information online to expose them to harm.
The Civil Society Organisation also revealed that women and girls—especially activists, journalists, politicians, and influencers- are major victims of high levels of technology-facilitated gender based violence.
Niri Goyit, Women activist and Programme Manager for Women’s Rights, ActionAid Nigeria, reeled out the data on Friday in Abuja at a National Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue on Technology-Facilitated Gender- Based Violence, part of the #16daysofactivism 2025.
Goyit, in her technical presentation: an overview of TF-GBV trends in Nigeria, listed patriarchal norms, low digital literacy, weak enforcement of online harassment laws, platform moderation gaps, and rapid spread of smartphones/apps as some of the drivers of TF-GBV in the country.
She noted: “In Nigeria, 45% of women have experienced cyberstalking, especially women in public roles, and 10.6% have faced doxing.”
She further pointed out, “Nigeria’s internet adoption has grown faster than the safeguards needed to protect users. Survivors as young as fourteen now seek help. Women in public life face coordinated attacks and gendered misinformation.”
She noted that local data shows that many women have experienced cyberstalking or doxing, while thousands of sextortion linked accounts were removed by platforms.
“In Nigeria, digital spaces mirror offline gender power structures. Women and girls—especially activists, journalists, politicians, and influencers—face high levels of threats, coordinated harassment, image-based abuse, and doxing.”
She also pointed out that “Women and girls across all ages are affected, but some groups face heightened vulnerability: adolescent girls (12–17) and young women (18–35) due to early, frequent social media use and limited control over privacy.
Other vulnerable groups are Women in public roles — journalists, activists, politicians, influencers.
The aim, according to the activist, is to silence or discredit them.
On the impact of TF-GBV on victims, Goyit said it includes withdrawal or self-censorship, reducing women’s civic participation and economic opportunities.
“TFGBV affects survivors in several ways. Emotionally, it causes fear, anxiety and trauma. Socially, many withdraw from relationships or communities due to shame. Economically, some lose jobs or avoid opportunities. Online threats also escalate into physical danger, especially when private information is exposed,” she explained further.
She blamed systemic challenges for low implementation of the laws against TF-GBV, saying, “Several challenges stand in the way. Laws have not kept pace with digital realities. Many officers do not have the skills to handle digital evidence. Society often dismisses online abuse as jokes. Platforms act slowly, and case management systems are weak. These issues combined create major obstacles for survivors.”
Noting the challenges, the ActionAid officer urged collaboration among all stakeholders.
She stressed that “No single institution can handle TFGBV alone. Government agencies must provide clear pathways for reporting and investigation. Law enforcement needs support from digital experts. SARCs must connect with cybercrime units. Civil society offers survivor-centred approaches while technology companies must improve takedowns and cooperation. When all actors work together, survivors are protected more effectively.”
She concluded by saying that “Nigeria does not need entirely new laws that will take years to pass. The country can update the laws it already has to match today’s digital realities. Real progress will come from collaboration, clarity and survivor-centred systems. When institutions adapt and work together, Nigeria can build a safer digital environment for all.”
In his goodwill Message, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Mr Andrew Mamedu, reiterated the commitment of AAN to ending all forms of GBV, including TF-GBV.
He also called on all the stakeholders to join in preventing the menace.
Mamedu, who was represented by Goyit, said: “At ActionAid Nigeria, our commitment to ending all forms of GBV, including TF-GBV, remains firm.
“We work in communities to challenge harmful norms, support survivors, strengthen access to justice, engage men and boys, and build the capacity of women-led organisations.
We recognise both the opportunities and risks of digital platforms, and we remain committed to ensuring that technology empowers rather than harms women and girls.”
He therefore urged all partners—government, civil society, private sector, media, development partners, and community leaders—to renew their shared commitment to preventing and responding to all forms of GBV.
