In a strong show of commitment to child welfare, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to protecting and uplifting every Nigerian child, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during an official visit by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) to Nigeria, led by Hon. Robert Nanima, the Minister addressed recent allegations of child rights violations in parts of the country and outlined the government’s multi-layered strategy to safeguard children, support families, and strengthen legal protection frameworks.
“Child protection, development, and family cohesion are not just policy objectives — they are national imperatives,” Minister Imaan stated. “While the allegations remain under investigation, Nigeria continues to take proactive and systemic steps to create a safe, just, and nurturing environment for every child.”
The Honourable Minister outlined a series of landmark reforms and programs designed to protect vulnerable children and support family systems:
Review of the Child Rights Act to ensure full domestication across all 36 states, with a focus on enhancing child-friendly justice and enforcement.
Update of the National Child Policy to reflect evolving social dynamics and international best practices.
Amendment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) to fill critical legal gaps in addressing violence against children.
Establishment of a Child Protection and Development Agency to streamline all efforts under one institutional framework.
Implementation of the EVAC Costed National Action Plan and National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Children.
“See Something, Say Something, We Do Something”: A Nation-wide Call to Action.
The Ministry is championing a bold new initiative — the “See Something, Say Something, We Do Something” campaign, providing citizens with accessible platforms to report abuse, exploitation, and neglect. This will ensure real-time responses and justice for affected children.
Efforts are also being intensified to:
Expand child-friendly courts and legal aid for vulnerable children.
Provide capacity-building for justice professionals on child protection.
Launch alternative care guidelines that emphasize family-based reintegration.
Roll out the National Family Cohesion and Development Programme, targeting over 5 million Nigerians to promote strong, resilient family units.
Monitoring Progress and Ensuring Accountability
To track real-time improvements and guide policies, the government is setting up a National Child Protection Database and a Child Well-being Index. With technical support from UNICEF and development partners, a Child Protection Research and Information Centre is also ready for operationalization in collaboration with state governments.
In his remarks, Hon. Robert Nanima, Nigeria’s Country Rapporteur and Head of the Delegation, appreciated Nigeria’s hospitality and transparency. He emphasized that the Committee’s visit was part of a fact-finding mission to assess the reported concerns and understand the local context.
“We are not here to indict but to collaborate. Nigeria’s willingness to engage and share its efforts shows true leadership in child rights. Africa must work as a community to give its children a future they deserve,” said Hon. Nanima.
Other members of the delegation included:
Hon. Joseph Sunday Sinnah, ACERWC Member
Dr. Ayalew Getachew Assefa, Acting Executive Secretary, ACERWC Secretariat
Ms. Adiam Zemenfes Tsighe, Senior Legal Researcher
Ms. Opal Sibanda Masocha, Legal Researcher
Mr. Solomon Onsase, Senior Finance Officer
And other technical experts
The Honourable Minister was joined by key officials including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Director of Child Development, Head of Press and Public relations and the Special Adviser to the Minister.
As Nigeria continues to lead with empathy, evidence, and accountability, Minister Imaan reiterated that child protection will remain a core pillar of national development.
Signed
EmemMARIA Offiong anipr
AD Head Press Info & PR
