LASG orders orphanages to comply with child protection rules

…tightens oversight of orphanage homes

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of vulnerable children, urging founders and operators of orphanage homes to strictly comply with approved operational standards and regulatory requirements.

The charge was delivered during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Crèches and Orphanages Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development at Alausa, Ikeja. The meeting, themed “Operational Standards and Regulatory Compliance for Orphanage Homes,” brought together operators to strengthen collaboration and promote best practices in residential child care.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, described orphanage homes as vital partners in the state’s child protection system, saying beyond providing shelter, the homes are expected to create safe and nurturing environments where children have access to quality education, healthcare, psychosocial support and opportunities to reach their full potential.

According to him, compassion must be complemented by professionalism, accountability and strict compliance with established laws and operational standards.

Ogunlende noted that the state government has put in place clear operational guidelines to ensure children are protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation, while promoting proper documentation, effective case management and transparent service delivery.

He assured operators of continued government support through policy guidance, technical assistance and capacity-building programmes, while stressing that monitoring and enforcement would be strengthened to ensure full compliance with child welfare laws.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, commended orphanage operators for complementing government efforts in child protection but stressed that compassion alone cannot guarantee quality residential child care.

She reiterated that regulatory compliance is mandatory, listing key operational requirements to include proper registration and licensing, child-friendly facilities, qualified and screened caregivers, sound financial accountability, comprehensive record management and functional child safeguarding policies.