27/07/2026
REPORT ON MY PARTICIPATION AT UNODC WORKSHOP ON MODEL NATIONAL FRAMEWORK TO ADDRESS NCII
On the invitation of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), I had the honor to represent Yerima Balla International Education at the UNODC workshop on the development of a Model National Framework for Addressing Non-Consensual Intimate Images (NCII) held in Lagos on June 2026
Background
Non-Consensual Intimate Images (NCII) is the creation, sharing, or threat to share intimate images without consent. It is a form of cybercrime and technology-facilitated sexual abuse. NCII causes severe emotional, psychological, and social harm, and it disproportionately affects women, children, and girls.
Objectives of the Workshop
The workshop aimed to:
1. Develop a Model National Framework, policy guidelines, strategy, and action plan to prevent and respond to NCII in Nigeria.
2. Strengthen national response and support mechanisms for victims of image-based sexual abuse.
3. Support the ratification and domestication of the UN Convention against Cybercrime in Nigeria to strengthen the fight against NCII and other cybercrimes.
Participants
The workshop brought together stakeholders from NGOs, Civil Society Organizations, Private Sector and Tech Companies, Security Agencies, and International Organizations.
My Contribution & Role
As the representative of Yerima Balla International Education, I contributed to the discussions. Yerima Balla International Education is one of the organizations at the forefront in Nigeria advocating against NCII and cyberbullying. We are also actively empowering victims and survivors of NCII through counseling, legal support, and skills training, with a focus on protecting women, children, and the girl child.
During the workshop, I emphasized:
1. The need for public education and awareness to prevent NCII
2. Victim-centered support, counseling, legal aid, and empowerment programs for survivors
3. Strong collaboration between government, civil society, and digital platforms
4. Urgent policy and legislative reforms to criminalize and prosecute perpetrators of NCII
Conclusion
This workshop is a critical step toward a coordinated national response to NCII and cybercrime in Nigeria. I reaffirmed the commitment of Yerima Balla International Education to continue working with UNODC, government agencies, and civil society to build a safer digital space and support survivors of NCII in Nigeria.
Signed,
Mohammed Yerima Balla
Executive Director
Yerima Balla International Education
-