The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to content creators, influencers and digital media producers over the use of children in online materials that violate child protection laws, saying offenders risk criminal prosecution.
The warning was contained in a joint statement released on Monday by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, following growing concerns about the exploitation of minors in digital content.
The government stressed that children are legally protected under Nigerian law and must not be featured in content that undermines their dignity, safety or mental wellbeing.
“Children must never be exposed to content that depicts abuse, sexual undertones, harmful stereotypes or unsafe situations,” the statement said.
“Such practices are unethical and clearly violate laws put in place to safeguard the rights and welfare of minors.”
According to the statement, individuals who create, circulate or financially benefit from content that sexualises, exploits or places children at risk are liable to prosecution under multiple legal frameworks.
The government cited Sections 25(1) and 26 of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), which prohibit exploitative child labour and all forms of abuse, as well as Sections 135 to 139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which address sexual offences involving children.
It also referenced Section 23 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which criminalises child pornography and related online offences, alongside Section 24, which prohibits cyberstalking and online harassment.
The statement further noted that Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act prescribes a punishment of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
Reaffirming its stance, the Lagos State Government said it would not tolerate any form of child abuse and would collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure full enforcement of existing laws.
“Lagos State maintains zero tolerance for child abuse in any form and will take decisive action against violators,” the statement added. “We will continue to engage stakeholders and act swiftly whenever breaches of child protection laws are identified.”
