Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Lagos, Nigeria — The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to content creators, influencers and digital media producers over the involvement of children in online content that violates child protection laws, saying offenders could face criminal sanctions under existing legal frameworks. The announcement is part of a broader effort to strengthen child rights protections amid growing concerns about harmful and exploitative depictions of minors on digital platforms.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, together with the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, urged creative professionals to prioritise children’s dignity, safety and psychological wellbeing in all forms of content. The government said that involving minors in material that depicts abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes or unsafe scenarios is not only unethical but also contravenes protections afforded to children under Nigerian and Lagos State law.
Under the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), exploitative child labour and all forms of child abuse are prohibited, while the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015) contains provisions addressing sexual offences against children. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015) also criminalises the production, distribution or profiting from content that sexualises, abuses or endangers minors. Lagos authorities noted that penalties can include imprisonment of up to 14 years for the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
The statement underscored that children are a legally protected class and that content which jeopardises their wellbeing could attract prosecution under these statutes. “Involving minors in content that depicts abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes, or unsafe scenarios is not only unethical but also contrary to existing laws designed to protect children,” the statement said, emphasising the obligation of content creators to respect legal and ethical standards.
Lagos State reaffirmed its zero-tolerance approach to child abuse, adding that it will work with law enforcement agencies to enforce compliance. Authorities said they will engage with relevant stakeholders to address violations and ensure that children’s rights are upheld in all creative expressions. Content creators were advised to familiarise themselves with applicable legal provisions and exercise heightened responsibility in their work involving minors.
The move reflects increasing attention to the safety of children in Nigeria’s expanding digital and social media landscape, where young people are often exposed to content that may harm their development or exploit their image. As digital platforms grow in influence, Lagos authorities are signalling an intent to align creative practice with statutory protections for children, reinforcing legal obligations while warning that violations will attract penalties in line with the law.
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