The Lagos State Government has closed down four orphanages for allegedly engaging in baby trafficking and violating child adoption procedures, according to the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende. This action forms part of an intensified effort by the government to enforce compliance with child protection laws and ensure ethical practices in child welfare institutions.
Ogunlende made the disclosure during a press briefing to mark the second anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office. He stated that the closures followed confirmed reports of serious infractions, including illegal adoption practices and abuse of the state’s orphanage registration laws.
Illegal Practices Uncovered
Among the shut facilities was an orphanage located in the Igando area of Lagos, which was reportedly closed due to multiple violations of child rights regulations, non-compliance with official registration procedures, and mismanagement of children in its care.
Even more alarming was the case of Life Time Changer Orphanage in FESTAC, which the ministry discovered to be involved in baby trafficking — an egregious offense that sparked public concern and prompted swift government intervention.
Ogunlende said some of the orphanages had developed a habit of bypassing official protocols for child adoption, instead operating autonomously and unlawfully. He stressed that despite the existence of laid-down guidelines, some operators continued to act outside legal bounds.
“They do things within their realm because we have officers that continue to go out. We have access to information as a ministry saddled with protecting those children,” he explained. “When we get this information, we ensure that we go out and they are brought to book. This is the reason why we shut them down.”
He added that the ministry is always ready to assist individuals and organizations interested in running orphanages, offering them official guidelines and support to ensure they comply with the law.
Government Pushes for Oversight and Expansion of Legal Orphanages
The Commissioner also shared updates on the expansion and regulation of orphanage homes across the state. Over the past year, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development approved the full registration of 68 orphanages, with 45 others granted provisional approval following thorough screening processes. These procedures aim to verify that each facility meets fundamental requirements for child care and protection.
Ogunlende noted that these new approvals are intended to bolster the capacity of government-owned orphanages and extend care to vulnerable children, especially those at risk of abuse or neglect. The aim, he said, is to maintain a strong regulatory framework while expanding access to legitimate child welfare services.
Support for Persons With Disabilities
In addition to actions taken against erring orphanages, the Commissioner highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to support Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). He disclosed that the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) had empowered thousands of PWDs over the last year through a range of support initiatives.
These interventions included financial aid, vocational training, and access to healthcare services. According to Ogunlende, LASODA disbursed a total of ₦30 million to 150 elderly citizens living with disabilities, 100 vulnerable individuals with disabilities, and several advocacy organizations such as Dyslexia Nigeria, the National Association for the Blind, and the Down Syndrome Association of Nigeria.
These programs, he explained, aim to foster greater inclusion of PWDs in Lagos by addressing their socio-economic needs and reducing their dependence on others.
Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse and Unlawful Adoption
The closure of the four orphanages underscores the Lagos State Government’s commitment to child safety and legal compliance in the adoption process. Ogunlende reiterated the administration’s zero tolerance for any form of abuse, exploitation, or mismanagement of children under institutional care.
He urged residents to report suspicious activities involving child trafficking or unregistered orphanages to the appropriate authorities, assuring the public that the ministry remains vigilant and proactive in its duty to protect vulnerable children.
The Commissioner also appealed to individuals or non-governmental organizations interested in running orphanages to consult the ministry before setting up operations. “We have guidelines,” he said, “and we encourage people to come to the ministry where we offer them those guidelines to open an orphanage home.”
Ongoing Reforms in Child Welfare Sector
This development adds to a growing list of reforms under the Sanwo-Olu administration aimed at improving the welfare of children and socially disadvantaged groups in Lagos. With the state actively promoting adherence to legal standards in orphanage management and child adoption, officials hope to eliminate loopholes that allow abuse or exploitation.
By prioritizing regulatory enforcement, Lagos is positioning itself as a state where child welfare institutions are held to the highest standards — and where the rights and safety of every child are considered paramount.
The ministry’s interventions serve as a stern warning to any facility operating outside the law, reinforcing the message that there will be no room for illegality when it comes to the care of children in Lagos State.
