Lagos Govt shuts five orphanages over baby trafficking and child rights violations

The Lagos State Government has shut down orphanages for perpetrating illegalities involving baby trafficking and illegal adoption. 

The state’s commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, disclosed this on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 during the annual ministerial press briefing to mark Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s sixth year in office.

“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,” he said. 

“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. 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.’’

According to him, the Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, has approved the establishment of more orphanages in the last year, adding that 68 orphanages were fully registered. 

In contrast, 45 others received provisional approvals after rigorous screening to ensure compliance with basic standards.

Ogunlende noted that these approvals complement government-owned orphanages in caring for vulnerable children.

“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.” he added. 

He reiterated that the Ministry remains the sole authority for placing children in registered orphanages and warned against circumventing established protocols.