he Lagos state government has warned content creators and digital media producers against the use of children in online content that violates child protection laws.
In a joint statement released on Monday by Mobolaji Ogunlende, the commissioner for youth and social development, and Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, the executive secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (LSDSVA), the authorities expressed grave concern over the growing portrayal and involvement of children in content that may harm their dignity.
The government reminded creators that depicting children in harmful or exploitative situations is not only unethical but a direct violation of several laws.
Content creators are encouraged to be mindful of the long-term psychological, emotional, and social impact such content may have on children, as well as the legal implications for adults responsible for producing or sharing it, the statement reads.
The advisory specifically cited sections from the Child’s Right Law of Lagos State (2015), the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015).
It warned that creating, distributing, or profiting from content that sexualizes, abuses, or endangers minors constitutes a serious criminal offence.
Under the Nigerian law, creating, distributing, or profiting from content that sexualizes, abuses, or endangers minors constitutes a criminal offence, the statement added.
These acts violate the following laws: Section 25(1) of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State (2015) prohibits exploitative labour of a child, and Section 26 prohibits child abuse.
Sections 135–139; 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which address sexual offences against children. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), Section 23, which prohibits child pornography and related offences, and Section 24 prohibits cyberstalking and online harassment of persons.
Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act, which makes it an offence to sexually abuse or exploit children and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of fourteen years.
The statement concluded with a pledge to collaborate with law enforcement and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with these laws and to decisively address any violations.
We hereby reaffirm the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance stance against all forms of Child Abuse and remain committed to promoting responsible content creation and protecting children from harm, it added.
We will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, to ensure compliance with child protection laws and to address violations when they occur.
