Lagos State Government Shuts Down Orphanages Over Baby Trafficking and Illegal Adoption: A Bold Step to Protect Vulnerable Children

 

In a decisive move aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of vulnerable children, the Lagos State Government has taken a firm stance by shutting down several orphanages involved in illegal activities, including baby trafficking and unauthorized adoptions. This revelation came from the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, during the annual ministerial press briefing on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The briefing was held to commemorate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s six years of progressive leadership in Lagos State.

Cracking Down on Illegal Orphanage Operations in Lagos

The Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry of Youth and Social Development has been conducting ongoing investigations and monitoring to ensure orphanages operate strictly within the boundaries of child rights laws and official regulations. Unfortunately, some orphanages have flagrantly violated these laws, compromising the safety and well-being of the children in their care.

Ogunlende specifically mentioned God’s Time Orphanage located in Igando, which was closed due to violations in child rights laws, poor registration processes, and mismanagement. More shockingly, the Lifetime Changer Orphanage in FESTAC was discovered to be involved in baby trafficking activities—an illegal and criminal offense that threatens the very fabric of child protection systems in the state.

“In the year under review, God’s Time Orphanage, Igando, was shut down because of violation of procedure in child rights law, registration and mismanagement. In the Lifetime Changer Orphanage, FESTAC, we found out they were trafficking babies. Some other organisations found out they do not follow the procedure when they give out children for adoption,” Mr. Ogunlende said.

The Importance of Regulated Child Placement

The Commissioner further emphasized that these illegalities were uncovered due to vigilant officers from the Ministry who regularly carry out inspections and investigations to safeguard children. He noted that the Ministry has access to timely information, which allows the government to act swiftly in bringing offenders to justice and protecting innocent children from exploitation.

“They do things within their realm because we have officers who continue to go out. We have access to information as a government ministry to protect those children. When we get this information, we ensure they are brought to book. This is the reason why we shut down,” Ogunlende explained.

This highlights the critical role of government oversight in regulating orphanages and adoption processes, ensuring that every child’s rights are respected, and that no shortcuts or illegal practices undermine the integrity of the system.

Government Guidelines and Support for Orphanages

The Commissioner also issued a heartfelt appeal to all orphanages operating in Lagos State to adhere strictly to the government’s guidelines. He encouraged orphanage operators to engage with the Ministry of Youth and Social Development to receive official guidelines on how to open and manage orphanage homes lawfully.

“I also want to appeal to orphanages, saying that we have guidelines. We also encourage you to come to the ministry that we offer you guidelines to open an orphanage home,” he urged.

This invitation reflects the government’s commitment to supporting genuine orphanages while rooting out corrupt and illegal practices that exploit vulnerable children.

Growth in Registered Orphanages and Improved Oversight

Despite the clampdown on illegal orphanages, Lagos State is actively expanding the network of registered orphanages to better care for vulnerable children. Ogunlende revealed that in the past year alone, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development has approved the establishment of several new orphanages after rigorous screening to ensure they meet the required standards.

Currently, 68 orphanages have been fully registered with the state government, and an additional 45 orphanages have received provisional approvals pending final compliance. These approvals follow extensive background checks and inspections to guarantee that all operational orphanages maintain basic standards for child care and protection.

“The administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu is fully committed to ensuring that our children are raised in conducive environments where they receive proper care and attention,” Ogunlende stated.

Commitment to Child Welfare Under Governor Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has been proactive in addressing social welfare challenges, especially concerning children without parental care. By tightening regulations and closing down illegal orphanages, the government is sending a clear message that child welfare is non-negotiable.

The Ministry of Youth and Social Development remains the sole authority responsible for placing children in registered orphanages in Lagos State. This centralized control helps prevent illegal adoption and trafficking, ensuring all children are placed in safe, approved environments where their rights are protected.

Ogunlende warned against circumventing these established protocols, stressing that unauthorized placements and dealings in children will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The Broader Impact of Orphanage Regulation in Lagos State

This crackdown on illegal orphanages in Lagos State underscores the larger issue of child trafficking and exploitation in Nigeria. Orphanages have, in some cases, been exploited as fronts for illegal activities, including baby sales and unregulated adoptions. These illegal practices have devastating consequences on the children involved, including loss of identity, abuse, and denial of basic rights.

By enforcing strict regulations, the Lagos State Government aims to:

• Protect vulnerable children from abuse and trafficking.

• Ensure all orphanages operate transparently and adhere to legal standards.

• Promote ethical adoption procedures that respect child rights.

• Increase public trust in orphanage institutions.

• Encourage the establishment of more registered orphanages to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children.

What This Means for Lagos Residents and the General Public

Residents of Lagos State and Nigeria at large should be aware that not all orphanages are legitimate or follow the law. Anyone considering donating to or adopting from an orphanage should verify that the institution is registered and recognized by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

The Lagos government’s proactive approach also signals increased opportunities for partnerships with legitimate orphanages seeking to improve their services and expand their capacity to care for children in need.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The Lagos State Government’s recent actions to shut down illegal orphanages involved in baby trafficking and unauthorized adoptions represent a significant milestone in the fight against child exploitation. It highlights the need for continued vigilance, transparency, and collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and the public.

As Lagos continues to grow and evolve under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, the welfare of children remains a top priority. With stricter enforcement of child protection laws and increased support for legitimate orphanages, Lagos is setting a precedent for child welfare governance across Nigeria.

For anyone interested in supporting orphanages or adopting a child, the Ministry of Youth and Social Development remains the best source of accurate information and guidelines. Ensuring children are placed in safe and loving environments is a shared responsibility — one that requires adherence to laws designed to protect the most vulnerable among us.