Lagos Govt to Orphanage Operators: Meet the Standards or Risk Closure

The Lagos State Government has warned operators of orphanage homes across the state to comply fully with established child protection laws or face sanctions, including closure.

The warning was issued on Thursday at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Crèches and Orphanages Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Conference Hall, Alausa, Ikeja.

With the theme “Operational Standards and Regulatory Compliance for Orphanage Homes,” the meeting brought together government officials, orphanage operators and child welfare experts to review practices in residential child care.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said orphanages remain critical to the state’s child protection architecture but must do more than provide shelter.

He said children in care are entitled to quality education, healthcare, counselling and psychosocial support that will enable them to reach their full potential.

“Compassion must always be complemented by professionalism, accountability and strict adherence to established laws and operational standards,” Ogunlende stated.

The commissioner added that the state has put in place operational guidelines to guard against abuse, neglect and exploitation, while ensuring proper documentation, case management and transparency in service delivery. He assured that the ministry would continue to provide policy direction, technical support and capacity building, as well as strengthen monitoring and enforcement.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, said good intentions alone were not enough. She listed the minimum requirements to include registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, licensing by the ministry, child-friendly facilities, qualified and screened caregivers, sound financial records and functional safeguarding policies.

Also speaking, the Director of Legal Services in the ministry, Mrs. Kemi Olugbode, said the operations of orphanages are governed by the Child’s Rights Law, which prioritises the best interest of the child.

She noted that all homes must be registered and licensed before commencement, while admission of children must follow due legal process, including court orders where necessary. She stressed the need for proper record keeping, qualified personnel and regular inspections.

An official of the Child Protection Unit, Mr. Akeushola Olatunji, cautioned that children in institutional care are vulnerable to abuse if safeguards are weak. He urged operators to recruit qualified staff, conduct background checks, train personnel on child protection and enforce safeguarding policies.

In his response, the Chairman, Lagos State chapter of the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria, Alhaji Ganiu Olaiwola, commended the government for the engagement. He said the association has set up monitoring teams across the five IBILE divisions to ensure compliance, warning that erring homes would face sanctions.

The meeting ended with a resolution by both government and operators to strengthen collaboration towards improving standards and protecting the rights of vulnerable children in the state.