…Vows Crackdown on Illegal Practices
The Lagos State Government has warned residents against illegal child adoption practices, declaring that any transaction involving payment for children amounts to child trafficking and will attract prosecution.
Speaking during the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, the Commissioner said the government would continue to crack down on illegal adoption syndicates and individuals bypassing approved procedures.
The Commissioner specifically condemned reports that some prospective adopters allegedly pay as much as N5 million to obtain children.
“We will not regard that as processing adoption, we will regard that as buying a child,” the Commissioner declared, adding, “If you are buying a child, it is illegal
“Those that we have gotten wind of, we have prosecuted, and we will continue to prosecute irrespective of who you are or where you are coming from.”
The Commissioner stressed that every legal adoption conducted within Lagos must pass through the Ministry and approved channels, including recognised international partners handling overseas adoption cases.
According to the Commissioner, all foreign adoption applications are expected to come through accredited partners registered with the relevant authorities in their respective countries.
The official admitted that despite government oversight, some illegal adoption cases still occur outside official processes.
“Anyone who does not go through the Ministry or is not approved by the Ministry is regarded as illegal. Whenever we become aware of such cases, we swing into action and prosecute where necessary,” the Commissioner said.
He also appealed to residents to report suspicious adoption activities and illegal child trafficking operations to the Ministry for prompt intervention.
Beyond enforcement, the Commissioner disclosed that the state is moving to digitise and automate the adoption process to improve transparency, speed and accountability.
According to the Commissioner, the automation initiative would enable real-time processing of applications, reduce duplication and strengthen monitoring mechanisms.
The Commissioner noted that digitalisation would also help curb fraudulent practices linked to child trafficking and illegal adoption.
“We have seen several cases where children are being obtained fraudulently and kidnapped daily. Automation will help us track applications better and ensure compliance,” the Commissioner stated.
He further explained that the proposed digital system would improve coordination among stakeholders and make it easier to match children available for adoption with qualified prospective parents.
On child protection generally, the Commissioner said the Ministry’s focus remains on prevention, early identification and timely intervention rather than merely responding to crises.
The Ministry, according to Ogunlende, collaborates with schools, healthcare providers, religious bodies, community associations and law enforcement agencies to identify vulnerable children and families.
The Commissioner also highlighted several youth-focused initiatives being implemented by the Ministry to promote economic participation and leadership development among young people in the state.
Among the initiatives mentioned were the Business Amplifier Clinic and the “Super Humans” programme, which reportedly placed 18 out of 25 pilot participants in international organisations. The Commissioner revealed that over 1,000 applications have already been received for the programme’s second cohort.
Other engagement platforms listed include the Youth Parliament, leadership conferences, sports competitions, volunteer programmes and partnerships with 57 voluntary youth organisations across Lagos State.
