The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to content creators, influencers, and digital media producers over the use of children in online content that violates child protection laws, cautioning that offenders risk criminal prosecution.
The warning was issued in a joint statement by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi.
According to the statement, the directive follows growing concerns about the increasing involvement of minors in digital content that may be harmful, exploitative, or degrading, particularly on social media platforms.
The government stressed that children are a legally protected and vulnerable group under Nigerian law and must not be exposed to content that undermines 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 contrary to existing laws designed to protect children,” the statement said.
The Lagos State Government noted that the creation, distribution, or monetisation of content that sexualises, exploits, or endangers children constitutes a criminal offence under multiple legal frameworks.
It 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), which address sexual offences involving minors.
The statement also referenced Sections 23 and 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which criminalise child pornography, 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 state government said it maintains zero tolerance for child abuse and will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the law.
The government urged content creators to familiarise themselves with relevant legal provisions and prioritise the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of children in all forms of creative expression.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspected cases of child abuse through designated reporting channels, with the government emphasising that child protection is a collective responsibility.
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