The Lagos State Government has issued a strong caution to content creators, social media influencers, and digital media practitioners, warning them to stop involving children in online materials that breach child protection regulations.
According to the government, anyone found violating these laws risks facing serious penalties. The warning follows growing public concern about the increasing use of minors in digital content that may be harmful, exploitative, or inappropriate.
In a joint statement released on Monday and signed 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, the government emphasized that children are a legally protected group under Nigerian law. It stressed that minors must not be exposed to content that threatens their dignity, safety, emotional health, or overall wellbeing.
The statement made it clear that involving children in content portraying abuse, sexual undertones, dangerous situations, or negative stereotypes is not only morally wrong but also a direct violation of laws established to safeguard children’s rights.
It further explained that producing, sharing, or benefiting financially from content that exploits, sexualises, or places minors at risk amounts to a criminal offence under several existing legal provisions.
The government referenced key sections of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), particularly Sections 25(1) and 26, which outlaw exploitative child labour and all forms of child abuse. It also cited Sections 135 to 139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which deal specifically with sexual offences involving children.
Additionally, the statement highlighted Sections 23 and 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which criminalise child pornography, cyberstalking, and online harassment. It noted that Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act prescribes penalties of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
Reaffirming its stance, the Lagos State Government declared a zero-tolerance policy toward child abuse and pledged to collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of all relevant laws.
The government also assured the public that it would continue engaging stakeholders and taking decisive action whenever violations of child protection laws are identified. It urged content creators and digital professionals to acquaint themselves with applicable legal requirements and to always prioritise the protection of children’s rights in all creative and online activities.