The Lagos State Government has introduced a new policy framework aimed at addressing the growing threat of technology-facilitated sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The framework, the government says, was officially launched on December 10 as part of the state’s efforts to strengthen digital safety, accountability, and protection for vulnerable groups.
The initiative is supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC), funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA. According to the organisers, the policy is designed to advance Lagos State’s reforms in emerging areas of justice and protection, positioning the state as a national leader in combating digital harm while reinforcing prevention, investigation, and access to justice for survivors.
The framework was unveiled by Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, who called for its full adoption across relevant institutions and sectors. “This framework provides the blueprint for a Lagos where online spaces are safe, where digital tools are used responsibly, and where every person can live with dignity, safety and hope,” she said.
In her welcome address, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), highlighted the escalating risks emerging in digital environments, including cyberstalking, online grooming, non-consensual image sharing, and digital extortion. She said Lagos State remains committed to ensuring that technology becomes a tool for empowerment rather than abuse.
Lawal Pedro, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, underscored the need for legal and regulatory systems to adapt to new forms of violence enabled by technology. “The law must keep pace with human behaviour. Perpetrators will be held accountable. If SGBV goes online, justice will follow it there,” he said. Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, added that the Lagos State Police Command is committed to tackling crimes across both physical and digital environments.
To support effective implementation, the state inaugurated a Technical Working Group comprising representatives from ministries, departments and agencies, academia, civil society organisations, the private sector, and technology actors. The group is expected to coordinate the rollout of the framework, monitor progress, and ensure survivor-centred interventions.
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