:Every day, young Nigerians use the Internet to learn, create, connect, and discover opportunity. They also face some of its biggest challenges — the cost of access, patchy connectivity, cyberbullying, scams, misinformation, and the new questions AI is raising about trust, safety, and responsible use.
NYIGF 2026 is where that conversation moves from discussion to action. Themed “The Internet We Want: Youth Leading The Conversation”, this year’s forum asks not just what’s wrong with the Internet young people use today, but what they can actually do to help build something better — with youth leading the conversation throughout.
— EVENT FORMAT
What to Expect.
High-Level Panel
Discussion anchored on “The Internet We Want.”
Breakout Sessions
Focused discussion on specialized topics.
Plenary Session
Open dialogue with the full forum audience.
Youth-Led Sessions
Peer-to-peer learning, led by young people.
Innovation Challenge Presentations
Secondary school students present their solutions.
Closing Ceremony
Reflections and the way forward.
— Speakers
Who You'll Hear From.
HIGH-LEVEL PANEL SESSION —
“The Internet We Want: Who Gets To Decide?”
Amina Ramallan
Moderator
Martha Dolapo Alimi
CDPO, CIPP/E, Information Officer, Research & Dev., Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
Muhammad Goni Ali
Hub Manager, Co-Development Hub
Olufolake Vera-Cruz
Manager, Technical Regulation and Digital Rights Corporate Services and Sustainability, MTN Nigeria
Rep. Nigeria Youth Future Funds
Panel Session 1 —
“Your Content. Their Platform. Your Risk?”
Janada Medugu Gadzama
Moderator
Moses Gabriel Omolaiye
Founder, MitigateIT
Nengi Fubara
Youth Advocate; Founder
Zainab Saidu Idris
Founder, Creativity Enthusiast Network; AI/Web3 Educator and Hausa Tech Creator
Panel Session 2 —
“What Happens When You Can’t Afford to Be Online?”
Praise Ibe Chidumebi
Moderator
Mr. Idris A. Idris
Principal Mgr., Cybersecurity and Internet Governance Dept
Aderinsola Ademefun
Executive Coordinator, The Sauced Academy
IXPN Rep.
Panel Session 3 —
“Web3: Freedom or New Risks?”
Samuel Olumo
Moderator
Chris Ordu
Principal Consultant, Ecweb Technology Ltd
Wikipedia
User group/afriwikiwomen
Mr Ifelade Ayodele
CEO and Co-founder, Blaaiz
Panel Session 4 —
“AI, Jobs & the Hustle: The Opportunity Is Here. Who Owns It?”
Blessing Iyare
Moderator
Mercy E. Egwakhide
Behavioural Economist and AI Program Officer, Policy Innovation Centre
Khadija Tijani
Shadow Country Director, Plan International Nigeria