The Lagos State Government has warned content creators, social media influencers and digital media producers against the use of children in online content that violates child protection laws, saying offenders risk criminal prosecution.
The warning was issued on Monday in a joint statement 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, following growing concerns over the exposure of minors to harmful or exploitative digital content.
The government emphasised that children are a legally protected class under Nigerian law and must not be used in 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 a direct violation of laws enacted to protect children,” the statement said.
It warned that individuals who create, distribute or profit from content that sexualises, exploits or endangers minors commit criminal offences under several 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), which address sexual offences against children.
It also referenced Sections 23 and 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which criminalise child pornography, cyberstalking and online harassment, and Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act, which prescribes 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 compliance with existing laws.
“We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and take decisive action whenever violations of child protection laws are identified,” the statement said.
Content creators were advised to familiarise themselves with applicable laws and ensure that the rights and welfare of children are protected in all forms of digital and creative expression.
