The Federal Republic of Nigeria has restated its commitment to safeguarding the rights, welfare, and future of every Nigerian child at the 46th Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), held in Maseru, Kingdom of Lesotho, from 26th November to 6th December 2025.
Dr. Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Head of Delegation, reaffirmed Nigeria’s delivered Nigeria Country Statement on behalf of the Him. Ministér of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaam Suleiman Ibrahim.fsi.
In her Address, she expressed the determination to strengthen systems, expand protection services, and intensify cross-border collaboration for the safety and well-being of children.
Dr. Keshinro opened her remarks by acknowledging the warm hospitality of the Government of Lesotho and the ACERWC Secretariat. She extended the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to delegates and expressed Nigeria’s appreciation on the commemoration of the 35th Anniversary of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
However, she noted that the country is currently facing a troubling chapter following the recent abductions of schoolgirls and staff in Kebbi and Niger States.
“It is indeed a dark moment in the history of Nigeria,” she said. “While some abductees have been rescued, many are still in captivity, and the Government has intensified efforts alongside stakeholders to ensure their safe return.”
Despite the challenges, Dr. Keshinro emphasized Nigeria’s unwavering resolve saying
“Nigeria recognizes the immense potential, talents, and rights of its children and remain absolutely committed to protecting, promoting, and investing in their well-being as custodians of our future.”
She presented a comprehensive report of Nigéria’s recent milestones, ongoing reforms, and collaborative interventions aimed at strengthening child protection systems nationwide
- Ending Violence Against Children
Hosted 15 African Countries for the first Regional Pathfinder Meeting on Ending Violence Against Children (May 2025).
Launched the National Costed Plan of Action on Ending VAC.
Operationalized the National Action Plan addressing violence in schools, communities, and online spaces.
Launched the National Alternative Care Guidelines & Implementation Strategy (November 2025).
Unveiled the State of the Nigerian Girl Child Report II, showing significant progress in reducing child marriage from 44% (2021) to 28% (2024).
Strengthened community and institutional capacity through training of social workers, justice actors, and surveillance structures.
- Review and Development of Key National Policies
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs is updating and developing several crucial legislative and policy instruments, including:
The National Child Policy (2009)
The Child Rights Act (2003)
National Policy on the Well-being of the Nigerian Boy Child
National Policy on Child Adoption
National Guidelines for Orphanages
SOPs for Child Care Centres
These instruments aim to enhance reporting, referral, and institutional responses to child abuse, trafficking, and welfare cases.
- Children on the Move
Nigeria continues to expand support for returnee and displaced children by:
Strengthening cross-border protection systems.
Providing integrated services (education, psychosocial support, reintegration, legal aid).
Collaborating with ECOWAS, UNICEF, IOM, and other partners to safeguard vulnerable groups, including child domestic workers.
- Menstrual Health and Gender Equality
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to restoring dignity to women and girls through:
Validation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management.
Launch of the Flow with Confidence Campaign by the Renewed Hope Initiative led by the First Lady, H.E. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, providing one-year supply of sanitary pads to secondary school girls across all States.
Advocacy for expanded pad banks, improved access to menstrual hygiene products, and community sensitization to dispel myths and stigma.
- Child Participation
To strengthen children’s voices in national development, Nigeria has:
Enhanced the structure and operations of the National and States Children’s Parliaments.
Provided training and coordinated sittings, including the 6th Sitting of the National Children’s Parliament (November 2025).
Prioritized children’s resolutions to inform national governance and policy decisions.
Dr. Keshinro reiterated that while progress has been achieved, Nigeria acknowledges the need for continued resilience and innovation. She urged ACERWC and Member States to deepen collaborative efforts to address emerging threats such as climate change, online sexual exploitation, trafficking, organ harvest, and adoption-related abuses.
“Nigeria remains resolute and committed to overcoming the challenges through active collaboration, partnerships, and innovations in the children’s rights and welfare space. We stand ready to work with all stakeholders to advance the Agenda 2040 – The Africa We Want for Every Child,” she stated.
Dr. Keshinro in conclusion, expressed gratitude to the ACERWC for its continuous guidance.
“On behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we look forward to deeper engagement as we collectively build a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous future for our children.”
Signed
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau
mnipr
Head, Information Press and Public Relations Department
