The Lagos State Government has cautioned content creators, influencers, skit makers, and digital media producers about the legal and ethical risks of involving children in online content, as digital platforms continue to expand Nigeria’s creator economy.
In a public notice issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development in partnership with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, the government acknowledged that while the rapid growth of digital platforms has opened new opportunities for creativity, storytelling, and economic empowerment, it has also raised concerns about how children are portrayed and involved in online productions.
According to the government, some forms of content risk harming the dignity, safety, and overall wellbeing of minors.
“Children are a vulnerable group and must be protected from exposure to abuse, exploitation, and inappropriate situations, whether intentional or unintended,” the government said in the advisory.
The Lagos authorities urged digital creators to carefully consider the long-term psychological, emotional, and social implications of featuring minors in online content.
“Involving minors in content that depicts abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes, or unsafe scenarios,” the notice stated, “is not only unethical but also contrary to existing laws designed to protect children.”
The government warned that any digital content that sexualises, abuses, or endangers minors could constitute a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
To reinforce the warning, the state cited several provisions in existing legislation governing child protection and cybercrime.
These include Section 25(1) of the Child’s Rights Law of Lagos State, which prohibits exploitative labour involving children, and Section 26 of the same law, which criminalises child abuse.
The government also referenced Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, which address sexual offences involving children.
Additional legal backing comes from Section 23 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, which prohibits child pornography and related offences, and Section 24 of the same law, which criminalises cyberstalking and online harassment.
Authorities further cited Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act, which makes the sexual abuse or exploitation of children an offence punishable on conviction by up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
The Lagos State Government said it will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, to ensure compliance with child protection regulations and to address violations when they occur.
The advisory signals increased scrutiny of digital content involving minors and underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding children in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital content ecosystem.
Content creators were therefore urged to familiarise themselves with applicable legal provisions and to prioritise the safety, dignity, and rights of children in all forms of creative work published online.
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