By Olakunle Oke
The Lagos State Government has issued a definitive warning to content creators, skit makers, and social media influencers, mandating the protection of children’s rights, dignity, and safety across all digital and offline platforms.
In a joint statement released on Monday, 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, expressed deep concern over the rising trend of content that subjects minors to abusive, harmful, or inappropriate scenarios for likes and monetization.
The state government emphasized that involving children in content portraying sexual themes, unsafe stunts, or harmful stereotypes is a direct violation of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015).
Officials noted that while the digital economy offers significant opportunities for creative expression, the vulnerability of children must not be sacrificed for viral engagement.
The statement warned that adults responsible for the exploitation of minors whether intentional or otherwise will face rigorous legal consequences under the Cybercrimes Act and the Lagos State Criminal Law, which carry penalties of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for sexual exploitation.
Reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy toward child abuse, the Lagos State Government called on the creative community to prioritize the long-term psychological and emotional well-being of the children featured in their productions.
Content creators are urged to familiarize themselves with the state’s safeguarding policies to ensure that their work remains ethical and legally compliant.
Moving forward, the state will intensify its collaboration with law enforcement agencies to monitor digital spaces and prosecute those found to be endangering the safety and dignity of the Nigerian child.