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 could lead to criminal prosecution.
The warning was contained in a joint statement released on Monday 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. The statement comes amid growing concerns over the increasing involvement of minors in harmful, exploitative or inappropriate digital content.
According to the state government, children are a legally protected group under Nigerian law and must not be exposed to content that endangers their safety, dignity or psychological wellbeing.
The statement stressed that involving minors in content depicting abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes or unsafe situations is both unethical and illegal, adding that anyone who creates, distributes or profits from such content is liable to prosecution.
The government cited several legal provisions backing its position, including 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. It also referenced Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which deal with sexual offences against children.
In addition, the statement highlighted Section 23 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which criminalises child pornography and related online offences, as well as Section 24 of the Act, which prohibits cyberstalking and online harassment. Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act was also cited, prescribing a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
Reaffirming its stance, the Lagos State Government said it has zero tolerance for child abuse and will collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of existing laws.
The government advised content creators and digital media professionals to familiarise themselves with relevant legal provisions and ensure that the rights and welfare of children are fully protected in all forms of creative and online expression.
