The Lagos State Government has warned content creators, influencers, and digital media producers that the use of children in online content that violates child protection laws could attract criminal sanctions.
The warning was issued on Monday in a joint statement signed by the State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, amid rising concerns over the portrayal of minors in harmful or exploitative digital content.
The state government stressed that children are a legally protected class under Nigerian law and must not be exposed to content that compromises their dignity, safety, or psychological well-being.
“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.
According to the statement, any individual who creates, distributes, or profits from content that sexualises, exploits, or endangers minors commits a criminal offence under multiple legal frameworks.
“Under Nigerian law, creating, distributing, or profiting from content that sexualises, abuses, or endangers minors constitutes a criminal offence,” it added.
The government 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 Section 23 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which criminalises child pornography and related online offences, alongside Section 24 of the Act, which prohibits cyberstalking and online harassment.
The statement further noted that Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act prescribes a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
Reaffirming its enforcement position, the Lagos State Government said it maintains zero tolerance for child abuse and will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure full compliance with existing laws.
“We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and take necessary action to address violations of child protection laws when they occur,” the statement said.
Content creators were advised to familiarise themselves with applicable legal provisions and ensure that children’s rights are protected in all forms of creative expression.
