Men who impregnate women outside marriage in Lagos State are now legally bound to take full responsibility for their partners’ welfare until childbirth, according to Section 277 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The law stipulates that any man who makes a woman pregnant must provide for her upkeep — including food, accommodation, and medical expenses — throughout the pregnancy.
Failure to fulfill these obligations attracts a fine of up to ₦45,000 in addition to covering all maternity costs. Moreover, if a court issues an order enforcing this responsibility and the man disobeys it, he could face further legal consequences.
The provision was enacted to curb the rising cases of women being abandoned during pregnancy by men who evade responsibility. The Lagos State Government says the measure aims to ensure fairness and protect vulnerable women from neglect.
Residents seeking to report cases of abandonment can contact the Lagos State Ministry of Justice via email at info@lagosstatemoj.org or call +234 902 780 8297 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.).