Lagos State has reaffirmed the enforcement of a rarely-discussed legal provision which mandates any man who impregnates a woman outside marriage to take full responsibility for her welfare until she gives birth.
Under Section 277 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, men are legally required to provide food, shelter and cover medical expenses for pregnant women they impregnate, irrespective of marital status. Where a man abandons a woman after getting her pregnant, the law provides for a fine of up to ₦45,000 in addition to full payment of all maternity-related costs.
Officials warn that refusal to comply with a court order made under this section may attract further legal consequences.
The provision was introduced to curb the widespread problem of men abandoning pregnant women and leaving them to face financial and medical hardship alone. The state says the law is designed to enforce responsibility and protect vulnerable women from neglect.
For now, this provision is applicable only within Lagos State.
How To Report
Women who have been abandoned while pregnant and wish to pursue legal action may contact the following:
Lagos State Ministry of Justice
Email: info@lagosstatemoj.org
Phone: +234 902 780 8297 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM)
Office: Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos
Office of the Public Defender (OPD)
Call: 0708 060 1080
Website: opd.lagosstate.gov.ng
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