The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to content creators, influencers and digital media producers, cautioning that the use of children in online content that violates child protection laws will attract criminal prosecution.
The warning was contained in a joint statement signed by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi.
According to the statement, the directive follows growing concerns over the increasing involvement and portrayal of minors in digital content that is potentially harmful, exploitative or degrading, particularly across social media platforms.
The government emphasised that children are a legally protected and vulnerable group under Nigerian law and must not be exposed to content that compromises their dignity, safety or psychological wellbeing.
“Involving minors in content that depicts abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes or unsafe scenarios is not only unethical but also a violation of existing child protection laws,” the statement said.
It stressed that the creation, distribution or monetisation of content that sexualises, exploits or endangers children constitutes a criminal offence under multiple legal frameworks.
The statement cited Sections 25(1) and 26 of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), which prohibit exploitative child labour and all forms of child abuse, as well as Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015) relating to sexual offences against minors.
It also referenced Section 23 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which criminalises child pornography and related online offences, and Section 24 of the same Act, which addresses cyberstalking and online harassment. In addition, 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 zero tolerance for all forms of child abuse, adding that it will collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with child protection laws.
“We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and take necessary action to address violations of child protection laws whenever they occur,” the statement said.
Content creators were urged to familiarise themselves with applicable legal provisions and to prioritise the safety, dignity and overall wellbeing of children in all forms of creative expression.
The government also encouraged members of the public to report cases of child abuse through designated reporting channels, stressing that safeguarding children remains a shared responsibility.
