The Federal Government has successfully validated Nigeria’s Combined Fifth to Eighth Periodic Reports to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, marking a significant step in restoring the country’s compliance with its international reporting obligations.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, announced this on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the National Review and Validation Meeting of Nigeria’s Periodic Reports to the United Nations and Strategic Policy Documents held in Abuja.
According to the minister, the validation of the reports clears a long-standing reporting backlog and reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of children in line with international standards. She noted that the achievement reflects Nigeria’s determination to remain a responsible member of the global community while strengthening its adherence to international human rights obligations.
“This critical submission was long overdue, and clearing this backlog represents a monumental leap forward for our standing in the comity of nations,” she stated.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that beyond fulfilling international obligations, the reporting process was strategically used as an opportunity to drive domestic reforms and strengthen institutions responsible for protecting vulnerable groups.
She disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reviewed, developed, and validated more than 40 policy documents and Standard Operating Procedures aimed at improving protection and service delivery for women, children, families, and other vulnerable populations.
Among the key policy instruments validated are the National Boy Child Policy, Revised National Children Policy, National Family Policy, National Care Economy Policy, National Adoption Policy, and the National Policy on the Management of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Assault Referral Centres.
The minister further revealed that both the Child Rights Act 2003 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 are currently undergoing legislative reviews to address emerging technological challenges and evolving forms of vulnerability.
She said the reforms became necessary following a comprehensive assessment of the ministry’s policy and institutional framework, which identified weak implementation mechanisms, outdated policy instruments, and gaps in coordination among relevant agencies.
According to her, the newly validated policies will serve as the foundation for implementing the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention across all 774 local government areas in the country.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that the ultimate measure of success for these reforms will be seen in stronger protection for children, safer environments for women, and more effective support systems for families across Nigeria.
Adeola Kunle
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