Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
LAGOS, NIGERIA — Lagos State has strengthened legal protections for pregnant women by enforcing a provision in its criminal law that makes it a punishable offence for a man to impregnate a woman or girl and then refuse to support her throughout pregnancy and childbirth. The law, found in Section 277 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, obligates men who cause a pregnancy to contribute to all maternity‑related costs, including food, shelter and medical care from the ante‑natal to post‑natal stages.
Under the statute, any person who fails, refuses or neglects to provide necessary support to the pregnant woman or girl is guilty of an offence and faces a fine of up to ₦45,000 upon conviction. The law also allows courts to consider the means and resources of the individual in determining the extent of financial liability, ensuring that support obligations are assessed fairly.
Legal analysts say maternity‑related costs include a broad range of necessities directly tied to pregnancy and childbirth, such as medical expenses, food and reasonable shelter for both the woman and her unborn child. In practice, this means that a man who abandons a pregnant partner could be compelled by a Lagos court to reimburse family members or other persons who have provided maternity care in his absence.
Officials in Lagos have reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enforcing the provision as part of broader efforts to promote accountability and protect vulnerable women from financial and social hardship. Advocates for women’s rights welcomed the move, saying it discourages irresponsible behaviour and supports maternal health by ensuring that expectant mothers have access to necessary resources throughout pregnancy.
The legislation targets a long‑standing societal problem in which some men evade responsibility following unintended pregnancies, leaving women to shoulder the burden alone. Lagos authorities emphasise that the law applies regardless of marital status and is not limited to relationships recognised by formal unions.
While enforcement has been emphasised in recent months, observers note that the provision remains unique to Lagos State. Efforts to expand similar protections in other states or at the federal level have been suggested by legal experts and civil society groups, who argue that holding individuals accountable for maternity support can help improve maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.
Residents seeking redress under the law are advised to approach the Lagos State Ministry of Justice or the Office of the Public Defender for guidance on how to initiate complaints or pursue financial recovery through the courts.
The enforcement of this legal provision reflects growing attention to gender‑sensitive legislation in Nigeria and highlights Lagos State’s efforts to use criminal law as a tool for social protection, particularly for women and girls in vulnerable circumstances.
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