By Lagos, Nigeria- This morning, the Lagos State Government announced that it is educating content creators, skit makers, influencers, and digital media producers in Lagos on their legal responsibilities to protect children from harmful or inappropriate portrayal in online and offline content. The announcement was made through the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD) in partnership with the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), as part of efforts to safeguard the rights and well being of children in the digital space.
The government stated that while the rise of digital platforms has created opportunities for creativity, storytelling, and economic empowerment, it has also raised serious concerns about the involvement and portrayal of children in content that could harm their dignity, safety, and overall well being. It emphasised that children are a vulnerable group and must be protected from exposure to abuse, exploitation, and inappropriate situations, whether intentional or unintended.
The Lagos State Government warned that 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. It further announced that under Nigerian law, creating, distributing, or profiting from content that sexualises, abuses, or endangers minors constitutes a criminal offence.
The government referenced relevant legal provisions, including Section 25(1) and Section 26 of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State (2015), which prohibit exploitative labour and child abuse; Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which address sexual offences against children; and Sections 23 and 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which prohibit child pornography, cyberstalking, and online harassment. It also cited Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act, which prescribes up to 14 years imprisonment for anyone convicted of sexually abusing or exploiting a child.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its zero tolerance stance against all forms of child abuse and said it will continue to work with law enforcement and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with child protection laws and address violations when they occur. It advised content creators to familiarise themselves with these legal provisions and to prioritise the safety, dignity, and welfare of children in all their creative work.
