The Lagos State Government has launched a sweeping policy framework aimed at tackling the growing threat of Technology-Facilitated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (TF-SGBV), marking a major step in its fight against online abuse, exploitation, and intimidation.
As part of the rollout, the state also inaugurated a Technical Working Group that will coordinate implementation and strengthen collaboration between government agencies and civil society partners.
The policy was introduced during activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a period that included visits by the First Lady to several survivor-support facilities across the state.
Digital Expansion Creating New Risks
Speaking at the unveiling in Ikeja, First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu warned that the rapid expansion of digital platforms has opened “new, complex avenues for abuse,” enabling identity misuse, exploitation, and online manipulation that disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.
She commended the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) for addressing what she described as an “evolving and deeply harmful” trend, particularly for women, children, and marginalized persons.
Her visits to shelters and service centers in Majidun, Igbogbo, Ebutte, Ikorodu, and Alakara reinforced the need for a more coordinated, survivor-centered response that protects people both offline and online.
A Framework to Guide Law Enforcement and Digital Platforms
Sanwo-Olu emphasized that gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, requiring collective action across institutions.
She said the newly launched policy provides clear guidelines for:
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Law enforcement agencies
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Digital regulators
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Technology companies
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Civil society organizations
The framework outlines steps for preventing online violations, reporting incidents, ensuring timely investigation, and supporting survivors through accessible remedies.
She urged the Technical Working Group to drive implementation with professionalism and urgency, reaffirming her commitment to all initiatives dedicated to ending SGBV in Lagos.
A Landmark Step in Protecting Digital Dignity
In her welcome address, DSVA Executive Secretary Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi described the policy as a landmark response to rising online threats such as:
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Cyberstalking
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Online grooming
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Digital extortion
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Non-consensual image sharing
She noted that these patterns increasingly mirror offline abuse, making a unified and proactive strategy essential.
Unveiling the policy on Human Rights Day, she said, reinforces Lagos’s pledge to safeguard the digital dignity, safety, and wellbeing of its residents. The framework also enhances public awareness of digital rights, reporting channels, and available support services.
Justice Will Follow Offenders Online
Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), warned that the state will enforce its strengthened legal framework vigorously.
Describing technology-enabled abuse as a “pervasive, silent, and fast-moving form of violence,” he stressed that perpetrators would face full prosecution.
“If SGBV goes online, justice will follow it there,” he said, adding that the policy underscores Lagos’s commitment to ensuring technology empowers residents rather than harming them.
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