Lagos State has announced firm measures to ensure that perpetrators of technology-facilitated sexual and gender-based violence face justice, unveiling a new policy framework designed to curb the growing wave of online abuse.
The Lagos State Policy Framework on Technology-Facilitated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence was introduced on Wednesday at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, bringing together senior government officials, judicial officers, law enforcement authorities, technology regulators, civil society groups and youth organisations.
While welcoming the participants, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, warned that harmful behaviour online was increasingly mirroring real-world risks.
She said the State Government was committed to ensuring that technology serves as a platform for empowerment rather than manipulation or harm.
Delivering a special address, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN, stressed that the justice system must adapt to evolving patterns of abuse. According to him, offenders will be pursued regardless of whether crimes occur offline or in digital spaces.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh, echoed the pledge of accountability, describing the policy as an essential tool for strengthening investigations and safeguarding victims.
He emphasised the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence and vowed that no offender would evade the law.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, formally launched the framework, urging all sectors to adopt and implement its provisions to create safer online environments for residents.
A Technical Working Group made up of government agencies, civil society, academia, private sector actors and technology organisations has been set up to coordinate implementation and ensure a survivor-centred response.
Supported by the European Union, funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme implemented by International IDEA, the policy places Lagos State at the forefront of efforts to address digital harm and expand access to justice for survivors.
