The Lagos State Government has warned content creators against using children in harmful, exploitative, or unethical online content, saying offenders will be arrested and prosecuted. The warning was issued by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, in a statement released on Monday.
Ogunlende said the growing trend of using minors as “content tools” for clicks and monetisation violates the state’s Child Rights Law and exposes children to emotional harm, ridicule, and unsafe situations. He noted that many viral skits disguised as comedy or pranks often involve manipulation and inappropriate themes that undermine child welfare.
According to the commissioner, Lagos operates a zero tolerance policy on child exploitation, whether online or offline. He stressed that social media platforms do not provide immunity from the law, adding that digital abuse carries the same legal consequences as physical exploitation.
With the growing trend, parents and guardians have been urged to stop offering their children for online content that could negatively affect their mental health and future opportunities.
The commissioner said the enforcement drive forms part of the state’s broader effort to create a safe digital environment while maintaining Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s creative and innovation hub, without compromising the rights and dignity of children.