The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to child protection and welfare under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
This assurance came during an official visit to Nigeria by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), led by Hon. Robert Nanima. The visit, a fact-finding mission, focused on child rights concerns raised in some parts of the country.
Minister Imaan addressed the delegation with clarity and purpose, stating:
“Child protection, development, and family cohesion are not just policy objectives — they are national imperatives. While allegations are still under investigation, Nigeria remains proactive in building a safe, just, and nurturing environment for every child.”
Key Initiatives and Legal Reforms
The Minister highlighted comprehensive measures already underway to safeguard children and reinforce family systems, including:
-
Ongoing review of the Child Rights Act to ensure full domestication across all 36 states, with enhanced provisions for child-friendly justice systems.
-
Updating the National Child Policy to align with emerging challenges and global best practices.
-
Amendment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) to address legal gaps relating to child protection.
-
Establishment of a Child Protection and Development Agency for streamlined coordination of child-related interventions.
-
Full implementation of the EVAC Costed National Action Plan and the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Children.
“See Something, Say Something, We Do Something”
To encourage community vigilance, the Ministry is rolling out a national public awareness campaign titled “See Something, Say Something, We Do Something.” The initiative will provide real-time, accessible channels for reporting abuse, neglect, and exploitation, ensuring swift response and justice.
Additional measures being scaled up include:
-
Expansion of child-friendly courts and legal aid systems.
-
Nationwide training for justice sector actors on child-sensitive procedures.
-
Launch of alternative care guidelines emphasizing family reintegration.
-
Rollout of a National Family Cohesion and Development Programme targeting over five million Nigerians to strengthen household resilience.
Strengthening Data and Accountability
To ensure evidence-based policy and measurable progress, the Ministry is establishing a National Child Protection Database and a Child Well-being Index. These will be complemented by a Child Protection Research and Information Centre, developed in partnership with UNICEF and state governments.
ACERWC Commends Nigeria’s Openness
In his remarks, Hon. Robert Nanima, Nigeria’s Country Rapporteur and Head of Delegation, commended Nigeria for its openness and collaborative spirit.
“We are not here to indict but to partner. Nigeria’s transparency and demonstrated efforts reflect genuine commitment to child rights. Africa must stand together to secure a better future for our children.”
The ACERWC delegation included:
-
Hon. Joseph Sunday Sinnah
-
Dr. Ayalew Getachew Assefa, Acting Executive Secretary, ACERWC
-
Ms. Adiam Zemenfes Tsighe, Senior Legal Researcher
-
Ms. Opal Sibanda Masocha, Legal Researcher
-
Mr. Solomon Onsase, Senior Finance Officer
-
Alongside other technical experts.
Joining the Honourable Minister were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Director of Child Development, Head of Press and Public Relations, and Special Adviser to the Minister.
Minister Imaan concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership in child protection and rights advocacy, stating that protecting the Nigerian child remains a central pillar of national development and social justice.
ADEOLA KUNLE
