By: Peace Udugba- The daily torch media
Lagos, February 2, 2026 — The Lagos State Government has warned content creators, influencers and digital media producers that sharing or promoting child pornography online attracts severe legal consequences, including up to 14 years’ imprisonment.
The warning was issued on Monday in a joint statement signed by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, amid growing concerns over the exposure of minors to harmful digital content.
According to the state government, children are a legally protected class under Nigerian law and must not be portrayed in content that compromises their dignity, safety or psychological wellbeing.
“Involving minors in content that depicts abuse, sexual themes, harmful stereotypes or unsafe scenarios is not only unethical but also a clear violation of laws established to protect children,” the statement said.
The government stressed that anyone who creates, distributes or profits from content that sexualises, exploits or endangers minors commits a criminal offence under multiple legal frameworks.
It cited Sections 25(1) and 26 of the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law (2015), which prohibit exploitative child labour and all forms of child abuse, as well as Sections 135–139 and 141 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (2015), which address sexual offences involving children.
The statement also referenced Section 23 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act (2015), which criminalises child pornography and related online offences, and Section 24 of the same Act, which prohibits cyberstalking and online harassment.
Additionally, the government noted that Section 32 of the Child’s Rights Act prescribes a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child.
Reaffirming its stance, the Lagos State Government declared zero tolerance for child abuse and pledged continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of existing laws.
“We will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and take decisive action whenever child protection laws are violated,” the statement added.
Content creators and digital media practitioners were advised to familiarise themselves with applicable laws and ensure that children’s rights are fully protected in all forms of creative and online expression.
