CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.0 Introduction

This chapter presents the discussion of the findings, conclusion, and recommendations of the

study titled “Abuse of Minors and Its Ethical Implications in Selected Local Government Areas

in Lagos, Nigeria.” The purpose of this study was to investigate the persistence, forms, causes,

and ethical implications of child abuse, as well as to assess the effectiveness of institutional and

governmental responses in Somolu, Mushin, and Agege Local Government Areas of Lagos State.

The discussion is based on the data analyzed in Chapter Four and is interpreted in relation to the

research questions, existing literature, and theoretical frameworks underpinning the study. The

chapter further draws conclusions from the key findings and provides recommendations aimed at

reducing the abuse of minors and strengthening ethical and institutional responses in Lagos State

and beyond.

5.1 Discussion of Findings

The study revealed that the abuse of minors persists significantly in the selected Local

Government Areas despite the existence of several laws and policies designed to protect children,

such as the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Lagos State Child Protection Policy (2016). The

findings corroborate the reports by UNICEF (2024) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual

Violence Agency (2025), which noted that thousands of cases involving minors are recorded

annually despite legal frameworks. This persistence underscores the gap between legal

provisions and actual enforcement. Ethical theories such as Kant’s Deontological Ethics
emphasize moral duty and the necessity of protecting human dignity, yet the continued abuse of

children in these communities reveals a moral and institutional failure to uphold these ethical

obligations.

Furthermore, the study found that many cases of child abuse go unreported due to fear, stigma, or

cultural norms discouraging public disclosure of family issues. This finding aligns with Adeyemi

and Olatunji (2023), who argued that community silence and lack of trust in law enforcement

perpetuate cycles of abuse. The persistence of this problem therefore reflects both systemic and

ethical shortcomings in the protection of minors.

The results indicate that the major forms of child abuse prevalent in the study areas include

physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect-based abuse. Among these, physical and sexual abuse

were the most frequently reported. The causes identified include poverty, parental

irresponsibility, domestic violence, substance abuse, and lack of supervision. These findings are

consistent with those of Okonkwo (2024) and Adebisi (2023), who established that poverty and

broken family structures are major predictors of child maltreatment in urban Nigeria.

In the Lagos context, urban overcrowding and economic hardship often force children into

hazardous labour or expose them to abusive environments. The findings also confirm the

theoretical perspective of the Social Learning Theory, which posits that abusive behaviours are

learned and perpetuated through observation and imitation within family or community settings.

Thus, the persistence of abuse reflects not only material deprivation but also the intergenerational

transmission of violence as a normalized response to discipline or authority.

The study further revealed that socio-economic status, educational background, and cultural

norms significantly influence the prevalence of child abuse. Families with low income and poor
educational attainment were found to be more prone to abusive behaviours or neglect, either due

to economic frustration or ignorance of child rights. This finding is supported by Aina and

Olamide (2025), who asserted that economic deprivation increases the likelihood of physical and

emotional abuse of minors.

Cultural beliefs also play a role, as some respondents noted that corporal punishment or early

marriage is still viewed as acceptable within certain traditional settings. The persistence of such

cultural attitudes demonstrates an ethical dilemma between cultural relativism and universal

human rights. Theological and moral frameworks, particularly Christian and Islamic teachings on

compassion, justice, and the sanctity of life, strongly condemn such practices, emphasizing that

child protection is not only a legal responsibility but also a divine and moral imperative.

The findings revealed that the abuse of minors has severe ethical consequences on family

systems, community values, and societal morality. It erodes trust within families, weakens moral

authority, and contributes to the moral decay of society. Children exposed to abuse often develop

psychological trauma, low self-esteem, and antisocial tendencies, which in turn perpetuate cycles

of violence and ethical decline. This aligns with the findings of Eze and Ijeoma (2024), who

emphasized that child abuse disrupts social harmony and moral development, thereby threatening

societal stability.

From an ethical standpoint, the abuse of minors violates the principles of beneficence, justice,

and respect for human dignity, as articulated in moral philosophy and religious doctrines. The

study highlights the urgent need for moral reorientation through religious education, community

ethics training, and value-based parenting. Religious leaders, educators, and caregivers must

therefore act as moral exemplars and advocates for the protection of children as a sacred social

duty.
The study found that while institutional and governmental mechanisms such as the Lagos State

Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), the Ministry of Youth and Social Development,

and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) exist, their impact remains limited by inadequate

resources, weak enforcement, and poor community collaboration. Respondents reported that

many abuse cases are poorly investigated or resolved, leading to victims losing faith in justice

systems.

This finding is consistent with Onasanya (2024) and Radio Nigeria Lagos (2025), who noted that

bureaucratic delays and insufficient funding hinder the implementation of child protection

policies. Ethically, this raises serious questions about the social contract between the state and its

citizens, as the failure to safeguard children reflects institutional negligence. The study therefore

calls for the strengthening of inter-agency collaboration, public awareness campaigns, and

stricter enforcement of child protection laws to ensure justice and deterrence.

5.2 Conclusion

This study examined the abuse of minors and its ethical implications in selected Local

Government Areas of Lagos State. The findings revealed that child abuse remains a critical social

and moral issue, persisting despite the presence of legal and institutional frameworks designed to

protect children. Poverty, cultural beliefs, ignorance, and moral decay are key factors sustaining

the problem. The ethical implications are far-reaching, undermining family cohesion, moral

integrity, and the dignity of children as human beings.

The study concludes that addressing child abuse requires more than legal instruments—it

demands a holistic ethical response involving families, communities, religious institutions, and

government agencies. Theologically, protecting minors aligns with divine principles of love,
justice, and stewardship. A morally responsible society must therefore commit to eradicating

abuse and ensuring that every child lives in an environment conducive to safety, dignity, and

growth.

5.3 Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations are made:

1. Strengthen Enforcement of Child Protection Laws:

The Lagos State government should ensure that child protection laws are strictly

implemented through efficient judicial processes and community monitoring

mechanisms.

2. Enhance Public Awareness and Education:

Massive awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate parents, caregivers, and

community leaders on the dangers of child abuse and the ethical responsibility to protect

minors.

3. Promote Economic Empowerment Programs:

Since poverty contributes significantly to abuse, the government and NGOs should

introduce child-focused poverty alleviation schemes and family support programs.

4. Integrate Moral and Ethical Education:

Schools, churches, and mosques should incorporate value-based and ethical education

into their programs to foster empathy, discipline, and moral responsibility among young

people and parents.

Relevant agencies such as DSVA, police, religious bodies, and community-based

organizations should work collaboratively to improve case reporting, victim support, and

rehabilitation services.

6. Establish Community Child Protection Committees:

Local government authorities should form community watch groups trained to identify,

report, and intervene in cases of child abuse promptly.

7. Provide Counselling and Rehabilitation Services:

Professional counselling centers should be established for victims and families to ensure

psychological recovery and reintegration.

8. Encourage Research and Data Monitoring:

Continuous research on emerging patterns of abuse should be supported to guide policy

decisions and ensure responsive interventions.