Lagos Government Issues Stern Warning to Content Creators Over Child Exploitation in Digital Media

The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to content creators, influencers, and digital media professionals against using children in online content that breaches child protection laws, with offenders facing potential legal consequences.

This warning follows growing concerns about the depiction of minors in harmful or exploitative digital content across various platforms.

In a joint statement released Monday by Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mobolaji Ogunlende and Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, officials emphasized that children receive special legal protection under Nigerian law and must not appear in content that undermines their dignity, safety, or mental wellbeing.

“Using minors in content showing abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes, or dangerous situations is both unethical and illegal under laws created to safeguard children,” the statement declared.

Officials pointed out that anyone producing, sharing, or earning money from content that sexualizes, exploits, or puts minors at risk is committing criminal offenses under several legal provisions.

The government referenced multiple legal frameworks, including Sections 25(1) and 26 of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), which ban exploitative child labor and all child abuse forms. Additional citations included Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015) covering sexual crimes against children, Section 23 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015) addressing child pornography and related online violations, and Section 24 of the same Act prohibiting cyberstalking and online harassment.

According to Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act, sexual abuse or exploitation of children carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

Lagos State officials confirmed their commitment to zero tolerance for child abuse, pledging cooperation with law enforcement to ensure complete adherence to existing regulations.

“We will maintain engagement with relevant stakeholders and take appropriate action when child protection laws are violated,” the statement concluded.