The Lagos State Government has intensified the rules for orphanage operations, directing all registered and prospective orphanage homes to comply with existing legal and operational standards designed to improve child welfare and strengthen protection for vulnerable children across the state.
The renewed directive was announced during 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 in Alausa.
The gathering brought together government officials, orphanage operators, child welfare professionals, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for raising standards in residential child care.
Held under the theme “Operational Standards and Regulatory Compliance for Orphanage Homes,“ the meeting focused on encouraging closer collaboration between the government and operators while promoting best practices that safeguard children’s rights and well-being.
Government Insists on Higher Standards for Child Care
Speaking at the event, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, described orphanage homes as vital partners in Lagos State’s child protection system.
However, he stressed that providing shelter alone is no longer enough, as children deserve an environment that supports their physical, emotional, educational, and social development.
He stated that orphanage homes must ensure access to quality education, healthcare, psychosocial support, and other essential services that help children reach their full potential.
“Compassion must always be complemented by professionalism, accountability and strict adherence to established laws and operational standards,” Ogunlende said.
The commissioner explained that the state had developed clear operational guidelines to protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
According to him, these guidelines also promote proper documentation, effective case management, and transparent service delivery within orphanage homes.
Ogunlende assured operators that the state government would continue providing policy support, technical assistance, and training programmes while strengthening monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance with child welfare laws.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, also commended orphanage operators for supporting government efforts to care for vulnerable children.
She noted that while many operators have demonstrated commitment to child welfare, meeting regulatory requirements remains essential.
According to her, every orphanage home must satisfy minimum operational standards, including proper registration and licensing, child-friendly facilities, qualified and screened caregivers, sound financial management, comprehensive record keeping, and effective child safeguarding policies.
Registration, Monitoring and Child Safety Remain Top Priorities
During a presentation on regulatory compliance, the ministry’s Director of Legal Services, Kemi Olugbode, explained that orphanage homes in Lagos operate under the Child’s Rights Law, which places the best interests of every child above every other consideration.
She stated that all orphanage homes must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and obtain operational licences from the Ministry of Youth and Social Development before admitting children or beginning operations.
Olugbode further explained that children requiring institutional care must only be admitted through approved legal procedures, including court orders where applicable.
She also identified proper documentation, qualified personnel, child protection policies, adequate nutrition, education, healthcare, counselling services, and regular government inspections as key requirements for compliance.
According to her, conducting background checks on staff, providing continuous professional training, and maintaining clearly defined qualifications for caregivers are necessary steps toward improving the quality of care in orphanage homes.
Also speaking at the meeting, Child Protection Unit official Akeushola Olatunji warned that children living in institutional care remain vulnerable to physical, emotional, sexual, and verbal abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation, if proper safeguards are not implemented.
He encouraged operators to recruit qualified staff, conduct comprehensive background checks, provide regular child protection training, enforce safeguarding policies, supervise staff interactions with children, and adopt positive disciplinary practices.
Olatunji also stressed the importance of ensuring children have access to nutritious meals, quality healthcare, education, emotional support, safe accommodation, and reliable reporting systems for abuse or misconduct.
Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria, Ganiu Olaiwola, praised the ministry for organising the engagement, describing it as an important opportunity to strengthen professionalism across the sector.
He disclosed that the association has established monitoring task forces across Lagos State’s five IBILE divisions to ensure compliance with the Child’s Rights Law and other operational regulations governing orphanage homes.
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Olaiwola warned that any orphanage found violating approved standards or relevant laws could face disciplinary measures, including closure where necessary.
The meeting concluded with government representatives and orphanage operators reaffirming their commitment to working together to improve residential child care, strengthen enforcement of the rules for orphanage operations, and protect the rights, safety, and dignity of vulnerable children throughout Lagos State.
