The Lagos State Government has issued a strong warning to content creators, skit makers, social media influencers, and digital entertainers against producing or uploading any content that involves children in ways that could compromise their dignity, safety, or overall well-being.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the government described the rising trend of using minors in comedic skits, challenges, pranks, and viral content as “deeply concerning and unacceptable.”
Key highlights from the warning:
Prohibited Practices: Any content that exposes children to ridicule, humiliation, danger, exploitation, sexualisation, or emotional/psychological harm is now under strict scrutiny.
Legal Consequences: Violations may attract prosecution under the Child Rights Law of Lagos State 2007 (as amended), the Cybercrimes Act 2015, and other relevant child protection statutes. Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and possible loss of platform monetisation or sponsorships.
Parental/Guardian Responsibility: Parents or guardians who permit or participate in such content will also be held accountable.
Monitoring & Reporting: The Lagos State Child Protection Unit and the Ministry of Youth will collaborate with social media platforms, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to monitor, flag, and remove harmful content involving minors.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, said: “We will no longer tolerate the commodification of children for likes, views, and money. Children are not props or content tools. Their innocence, safety, and dignity must be protected at all costs. We are watching, and we will act decisively.”
The statement urges content creators to adopt ethical guidelines, obtain proper consent, ensure child protection protocols, and prioritise positive, uplifting content involving young people.
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The warning follows several viral incidents in recent months where children were featured in potentially harmful skits, including staged “kidnapping” pranks, public humiliation challenges, and inappropriate role-plays that drew widespread criticism.
Child rights advocates and parents have welcomed the directive, calling it “timely and necessary” in the age of social media monetisation.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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