The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a major step toward strengthening child protection and evidence-based policy making with the official launch of the Child Policy and Information Centre (CPIC) at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking at the launch, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, fsi, described the Centre as a transformative milestone in Nigeria’s child protection journey.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of every child in Nigeria. For too long, child protection data has been fragmented, limiting our ability to track progress and respond effectively. With this Centre, we are consolidating reliable, real-time data to guide impactful action,” the Minister said.
She explained that the CPIC will function as a digital hub, integrating child protection indicators, research, dashboards, analytics, and a national knowledge repository to support policy makers, practitioners, and development partners.
The Minister acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, noting that the Centre reflects the administration’s priorities.
“Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda places human capital development and the wellbeing of women and children at the heart of national development. This Centre is a practical expression of that commitment and enjoys the full support of the Federal Government,” she stated.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Esuabana Nko Asanye, emphasized the urgency of data-driven responses, particularly in the education sector amid rising insecurity.
“The UNICEF Data Room could not have come at a more timely moment. With over 41 unity schools closed due to insecurity, we must ask critical questions: how many children returned to school? How many did not? We cannot plan, build, or sustain our nation without data,” she said.
She commended UNICEF for its foresight and continued partnership, stressing that “it is data, data, data that will help us sustain a formidable educational system for Nigeria.”
Also speaking at the event, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Country Representative to Nigeria, described the Centre as a visionary response to persistent child protection challenges in the country.
“The data is sobering — child marriage, female genital mutilation, physical punishment, and sexual violence remain widespread.
These are not just statistics; they are a call to action. This Centre will empower decision-makers through real-time dashboards, predictive analytics, and geospatial analysis to truly benefit children,” she said.
Ms. Saeed noted that beyond being a data repository, the CPIC will serve as a platform for collaboration, capacity building, and knowledge sharing among government institutions, NGOs, research bodies, and other stakeholders nationwide.
“When we work together, we strengthen evidence-based decision-making and ensure more accurate reporting and monitoring of child protection efforts,” she added, reaffirming UNICEF’s technical and financial support for the initiative.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Mr. Musa Aliyu Musa, Deputy Director, Child Development Department, expressed gratitude to the Ministry’s leadership and development partner.
“UNICEF’s technical expertise, financial assistance, and spirit of collaboration have equipped us with the tools to collect, analyse, and disseminate critical data that will inform policy, guide interventions, and ultimately save lives,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to harness the power of data to secure a safer future for Nigerian children.
“As we commission this Centre, let us reaffirm our pledge to protect, empower, and give every child the opportunity to thrive. Together, we are building a safer and more resilient future for Nigeria’s children.”
The Child Policy and Information Centre is expected to serve as Nigeria’s central hub for child protection laws, policies, data, research, and best practices, strengthening coordinated action across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Signed
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau mnipr
Head, Press and Public Relations Department
