…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.
Delivering a paper titled “Operational Standards and Regulatory Compliance for Orphanages,” the Director of Legal Services at the Ministry, Mrs. Kemi Olugbode, outlined the legal framework governing orphanage operations under the Lagos State Child’s Rights Law.
She explained that the overriding principle of the law is the best interest of the child, adding that every orphanage must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and licensed by the Ministry before commencing operations.
Olugbode further stated that children requiring institutional care must be admitted into approved homes through due legal processes and court orders where applicable. She also stressed the need for proper record keeping, qualified personnel, child protection policies, adequate nutrition, education, healthcare, counselling, regular inspections and compliance with infrastructure and staffing standards.
She recommended mandatory background checks for staff, regular training and clearly defined qualifications to improve the quality of care in orphanage homes.
Also speaking, Mr. Akeushola Olatunji of the Ministry’s Child Protection Unit presented a paper on “Preventing Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Children in Orphanage Homes.” He reminded participants that every child has the right to safety, care and protection, noting that children in institutional care are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
He identified physical, emotional, sexual and verbal abuse, neglect and child exploitation as major threats to children’s wellbeing, urging operators to recruit qualified personnel, conduct background checks, train staff on child protection, enforce safeguarding policies, supervise staff-child interactions and adopt positive discipline measures.
Olatunji also advocated adequate nutrition, healthcare, education, emotional support, secure living conditions and effective reporting mechanisms, emphasising that protecting children requires collective responsibility, vigilance and unwavering commitment.
Chairman of the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Lagos State Chapter, Alhaji Ganiu Olaiwola, commended the Ministry for organising the stakeholders’ engagement, describing it as a timely initiative that equips operators with the knowledge required to manage orphanage homes in line with approved standards.
He disclosed that the association has established a task force across the five IBILE divisions of Lagos State to monitor orphanage homes and ensure compliance with the Child’s Rights Law and other regulatory requirements.
According to him, any orphanage found operating in violation of the law or approved operational guidelines would face appropriate sanctions, including closure where necessary, to safeguard the welfare and best interests of children in institutional care.
