Lagos to Prosecute Content Creators Over Child Sexualisation and Rights Violations
By Emmanuel Daniji
The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to content creators, skit makers, and digital media producers, declaring that it will commence prosecution of individuals who violate child rights in the course of producing online content.
The warning comes amid rising concern over the increasing involvement of minors in skits, videos, and social media content that expose them to abuse, exploitation, sexualisation, or psychologically harmful situations.
In a joint statement, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) emphasized that while the state supports creativity, innovation, and digital entrepreneurship, such pursuits must not compromise the safety, dignity, or wellbeing of children.
According to the government, any content that sexualises children, depicts them in degrading or abusive scenarios, or places them in unsafe environments constitutes a criminal offence under the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law, the Criminal Law of Lagos State, and applicable federal legislation.
The statement further clarified that parental or guardian consent does not shield content producers from legal responsibility where a child’s rights are infringed.
“The protection of children is non-negotiable,” the government stressed, noting that consent cannot legalise actions that expose minors to harm or exploitation.
To enforce compliance, Lagos State disclosed that law enforcement agencies will collaborate with relevant regulatory bodies to identify, investigate, and prosecute offenders found culpable of violating child protection laws.
Content creators were urged to familiarise themselves with existing child protection regulations and adopt ethical, child-safe standards when featuring minors in digital content. The government warned that offenders risk fines, imprisonment, or both, as provided by law.
The renewed directive signals Lagos State’s resolve to curb the misuse of children in digital media and reinforce its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and future of minors in an increasingly content-driven society.
