The Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to content creators, skit makers, and influencers, mandating that they safeguard the rights of children in all digital and offline productions.
In a joint statement released Monday, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogundele, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, expressed growing concern over content that threatens the dignity and well-being of children.
According to the statement, Lagos authority expressed 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.
The statement reads, “The Lagos State Ministry of Youth & Social Development (MYSD), in partnership with the Domestic & Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), seeks to draw the attention of content creators, skit makers, influencers, and digital media producers to the importance of safeguarding the rights of children across all forms of online and offline content.
“In recent times, the growing influence of digital platforms has created opportunities for creativity, storytelling, and economic empowerment.”
The statement added, “However, it has also raised serious concerns about the portrayal and involvement of children in content that may harm their dignity, safety, and overall well-being.
“Children are a vulnerable group and must be protected from exposure to abuse, exploitation, and inappropriate situations, whether intentional or unintended.
“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.”
Lagos further urged content creators to be mindful of the long term psychological, emotional, and social impact such content may have on children, as well as the legal implications for adults responsible for producing or sharing it.
The State further explained that such contents violates the provisions of the Nigerian constitution on creating, distributing, or profiting from content that sexualizes, abuses, or endangers minors constitutes a criminal offence.
According to the statement, these practices fall under the hammer of the law including, “Section 25(1) of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State (2015) prohibits exploitative labour of a child, and Section 26 prohibits child abuse.
“Sections 135-139; 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which address sexual offences against children.”
It added, “The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), Section 23, which prohibits child pornography and related offences, and Section 24 prohibits cyberstalking and online harassment of persons.
“Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act, which makes it an offence to sexually abuse or exploit children and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of fourteen years.”
Lagos State further reaafirms its zero-tolerance stance against all forms of Child Abuse and remain committed to promoting responsible content creation and protecting children from harm.
The authority expressed its readiness to work with relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, to ensure compliance with child protection laws and to address violations when they occur.
Content creators are advised to familiarise themselves with these legal provisions and to prioritise the safety and dignity of children in all creative work.
