Lagos Warns Influencers Against Exploiting Children in Online Content
Korede Abdullah 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Lagos State Government is warning content creators, influencers and digital media producers against using children in online content in ways that threaten their safety, dignity or wellbeing.
In a statement issued on Monday, the government says creativity must never override the rights of minors, stressing that children remain legally protected both online and offline under existing laws in the state.
Officials note that the rapid growth of social media platforms places greater responsibility on creators to act within ethical and legal boundaries, particularly when producing content that features children.
“Creativity must never come at the expense of a child’s safety, dignity, or well-being,” the government says, cautioning that exposing children to harmful or exploitative content for engagement or entertainment may constitute abuse.
The statement references the Lagos State Child Rights Law, which guarantees the protection of minors and prescribes penalties for violations, including the misuse of children for commercial or digital gain.
“Safeguarding minors is not optional; it is a legal and moral duty,” the government adds.
Authorities urge content producers to ensure that materials involving children are educational, empowering and harmless, rather than sensational or demeaning.
The government also calls on residents to report suspected cases of child exploitation on digital platforms, emphasising collective responsibility in protecting minors in the digital space.
“Child protection is everyone’s responsibility. See it. Say it. Sort it,” the statement concludes.
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Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Mirian Gom 