Lagos Warns Skit Makers, Others Against Involving Children In Harmful, Sexual Scenes

The Lagos State Government has warned content creators, skit makers, influencers and digital media producers against involving children in abusive, sexualised or harmful content, stressing that such actions violate existing laws and attract severe legal consequences.

The warning was contained in a joint statement released by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development (MYSD), in partnership with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).

The statement was jointly signed by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi.

According to the statement, the government said it was seeking “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.”

It acknowledged that the growing influence of digital platforms has created opportunities for “creativity, storytelling, and economic empowerment,” but warned that 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,” the government said.

The statement further cautioned that involving minors in content depicting abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes or unsafe scenarios “is not only unethical but also contrary to existing laws designed to protect children.”

Content creators were urged to be conscious 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.”

Citing relevant laws, the State government stated that under Nigerian law, “creating, distributing, or profiting from content that sexualises, abuses, or endangers minors constitutes a criminal offence.”

It listed Section 25(1) of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), which prohibits exploitative labour of a child, and Section 26, which prohibits child abuse. It also referenced Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which address sexual offences against children.

The statement further cited the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), noting that Section 23 prohibits child pornography and related offences, while Section 24 prohibits cyberstalking and online harassment. It added that Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act makes it an offence to sexually abuse or exploit a child, with a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment upon conviction.

Reaffirming its stance, the Lagos State government said, “We hereby reaffirm the Lagos State Government’s zero-tolerance stance against all forms of child abuse and remain committed to promoting responsible content creation and protecting children from harm.”

It added that the state would continue 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 were advised to familiarise themselves with the relevant legal provisions and “prioritise the safety and dignity of children in all creative work.”

The statement also provided reporting channels for cases of child abuse, urging the public to call MYSD lines at 0906-735-3002, 0809-722-6696, or 0907-733-3426, or DSVA lines at 08000-333-333, dial *6820# for MTN subscribers, or visit ekoselfreport.ng.