The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to content creators, influencers and digital media producers, declaring that the use of children in online content that violates child protection laws will attract criminal sanctions.

In a joint statement, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, expressed growing concern over the portrayal of minors in harmful, exploitative or sexually suggestive digital content.

The officials stressed that children are a legally protected class under Nigerian law and must not be used as props or tools for engagement, clicks or profit in ways that compromise their dignity, safety or psychological wellbeing.

The statement warned that involving minors in content that depicts abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes or unsafe scenarios is both unethical and unlawful, and that those responsible could face prosecution.

According to the government, anyone who creates, distributes or monetises content that sexualises, exploits or endangers children may be liable under several legal frameworks, including state and federal statutes.

Authorities 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 to 139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015, which cover sexual offences against children.

The statement also referenced Section 23 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, which criminalises child pornography and related online offences, and Section 24 of the same Act, which outlaws cyberstalking and online harassment.

In addition, the government highlighted Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act, which prescribes penalties of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child, underscoring that online content is not exempt from these provisions.

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on child abuse, the Lagos State Government said it will collaborate with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to investigate and prosecute violations, including those occurring on social media platforms and video-sharing sites.

The statement urged content creators and digital marketers to familiarise themselves with relevant laws and to adopt strict ethical guidelines when featuring minors, insisting that children’s rights must be protected in all forms of creative expression.