Lagos Govt Warns Influencers, Content Creators Against Using Children In Illegal Online Content

The Lagos State Government has cautioned content creators, influencers, and digital media producers against involving children in online content that violates child protection laws, warning that offenders could face criminal sanctions.

The warning, issued on Monday, came 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.

It addresses growing concerns over the portrayal of minors in harmful or exploitative digital content.

The government emphasised that children are a legally protected class under Nigerian law and must not be exposed to content that undermines 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 sexualizes, exploits, or endangers minors commits a criminal offence under several legal frameworks. These include Sections 25(1) and 26 of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), and Sections 23 and 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015). Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act also prescribes penalties of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on child abuse, the Lagos State Government said it would work with law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with all relevant laws. “We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and take necessary action to address violations of child protection laws when they occur,” the statement added.

Content creators were urged to familiarise themselves with applicable legal provisions and ensure that children’s rights are protected in all forms of creative expression.