Lagos State Issues Stern Warning to Content Creators Over Use of Minors in Online Content

The Lagos State Government has warned digital content creators, influencers, and media producers that using children in online material which violates child protection laws could lead to criminal prosecution.

The warning was issued in a joint statement on Monday by 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.

The statement stressed that children are a legally protected group and must not be featured in content that undermines their dignity, safety, or mental well-being. It highlighted that involving minors in material depicting abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes, or dangerous situations is both unethical and illegal.

The government cited several laws to back its position, including the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), which prohibits exploitative child labour and abuse, and sections of the state’s Criminal Law addressing sexual offences against children. It also referenced the Cybercrimes Act (2015), which criminalises child pornography and online harassment.

Penalties for violations are severe, with the Child’s Rights Act prescribing up to 14 years’ imprisonment for the sexual exploitation of a child.

Reaffirming a zero-tolerance stance, the government stated it will collaborate with law enforcement to ensure compliance. Content creators were urged to familiarize themselves with the relevant laws and prioritize the protection of children’s rights in all creative work.