Catholic Bishop Demands Laws to Shield Children from AI Abuse, Digital Exploitation

The Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, has called for stronger legal safeguards against the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital technologies that could expose children to exploitation, privacy violations and other forms of harm.
He also urged the government to prioritise the safe return of children displaced by insecurity to their communities, with guarantees of safety, access to education and opportunities for a dignified future.
Anagbe made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 National Child Rights Summit held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
He warned that emerging technologies posed growing risks to children through unauthorised use of personal information, automated profiling, impersonation, biased systems and inappropriate AI-generated content.
“Nigeria must develop clear and responsible regulatory frameworks that prioritise children’s interests,” he said.
The bishop stressed that discussions about artificial intelligence should address not only what the technology could do but also what it should be permitted to do, the safeguards required and who should be held accountable when its use causes harm.
He also called for improved security in schools and decisive action by government and security agencies to restore stability in communities affected by violence.
On internally displaced children, Anagbe cautioned against neglecting their needs or allowing displacement to permanently separate them from their homes and communities.
He advocated deliberate measures to bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural areas where poverty, poor internet connectivity and limited digital literacy restrict children’s access to learning opportunities.
Describing child rights as sacrosanct, the cleric urged governments and relevant institutions to enact appropriate laws and ensure their effective implementation.
Declaring the summit open, the Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Bond Ugochukwu Anyaehie, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to child-rights research, advocacy and protection.
He said the university’s involvement reflected its commitment to using research, education, digital technology and strategic partnerships to improve the welfare and empowerment of children and young people.
Presenting the lead paper, the Vice-Chancellor of Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. Uchefula Chukwumaeze, examined the legal framework for child protection and highlighted opportunities and challenges in the digital environment.
He emphasised the responsibility of parents to monitor the digital content their children access, encourage them to discuss their online experiences and watch for behavioural changes that could indicate exposure to harmful material.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, Nnanna Oji Ama, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Ngozi Ezeabata, described the summit’s theme as timely and expressed hope that the deliberations would produce meaningful outcomes.
The traditional ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Dr. Alex Onyido, called for stronger legislation and tougher measures against child-rights violations, urging stakeholders to work together to protect children.
His Umueri counterpart, Igwe Ben Emeka, highlighted children’s rights, including the right to education, and commended the organisers for extending discussions on child protection to emerging digital challenges.
Earlier, the Chairman of the UNIZIK Child Rights Committee, Dr. Obiorah Edogor, called for collective action to improve the future of children and young people in Nigeria.
He described children as investments in the nation’s future and warned that increasing cases of child maltreatment, particularly in the digital age, required urgent intervention.
The summit was themed, “Harnessing Digital Technologies for Child Protection and Empowerment in Developing Countries: Opportunities and Challenges.”
Other contributors included Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, represented by Dr. Adaobi Okeke; the Anambra State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, CN Onubogu Orakwue; and the Vice-Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Azuka Omenugha, represented by Prof. Sylvia Okonkwo.