The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has raised alarm over the impact of unregulated social media on Nigerian families.

He warned that it is swiftly eroding discipline and weakening moral foundations across communities.

Speaking at the opening of Exercise Haske Biyu 2025 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, the Sultan described social media as one of the modern threats undermining traditional values, alongside corruption and illicit wealth.

He argued that the breakdown of family values poses wider risks to national security.

“Children acquire their core values early in the home. When the family foundation is weak, the entire society suffers.” He said.

Recent studies in Nigeria appear to support the Sultan’s concerns;

A 2024 study in Abuja’s Jahi district found a significant link between heavy social media use and reduced family bonding, with many households reporting less face-to-face interaction.

Meanwhile, research published this year on Nigerian adolescents highlighted that many young people face online risks without adequate parental mediation, exposing them to harmful content that can influence behaviour.

These findings corroborate with the Sultan’s warning that unregulated platforms often promote content at odds with Nigerian cultural and religious values.

However, media experts caution that social media may not be the sole culprit, due to factors such as economic hardship, urban migration, changing lifestyles and exposure to global entertainment.

Some recent reports indicate that social media has aided in keeping families connected across distances, providing educational resources and offering platforms for positive social movements.

The Sultan’s intervention highlights a growing debate over the role of digital platforms in shaping society.