Manny Ita
The Lagos State Government has issued an official warning to social media content creators regarding the inclusion of minors in digital productions, citing a rise in child rights violations for the purpose of online engagement. In a formal statement released on Tuesday, authorities clarified that the exploitation of children in skits and videos for “clout” or financial gain will no longer be tolerated under existing state laws. The government emphasized that while the creative economy is a vital part of the state’s identity, the protection of vulnerable demographics remains a non-negotiable priority for the current administration.
The directive comes following several viral videos that depicted children in suggestive, distressing, or inappropriate scenarios designed to generate social media traffic. Officials noted that many of these productions infringe upon the Child’s Right Law of Lagos State, which mandates the protection of children from all forms of exploitation and psychological harm. A spokesperson for the government stated that monitoring teams have been tasked with identifying violators, adding, “The state will not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or production house found to be exploiting minors for views and followers.”
Legal experts have pointed out that the move aims to establish a boundary between creative expression and child endangerment. The government urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and refuse to consent to the use of their children in content that compromises their dignity or safety. As part of the new enforcement drive, the state confirmed that it is working with relevant security agencies to ensure that those who persist in these practices face “the full wrath of the law,” serving as a deterrent to others within the content creation ecosystem.
