More than 200 stakeholders have called for stronger legal and institutional measures to protect Nigerian children as part of ongoing efforts to review and amend the Child Rights Act (CRA), 2003.
The stakeholders made the recommendations during a three-day National Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Review and Amendment of the Child Rights Act, held in Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026.
The engagement, themed “CRA @ 23: From Law to Action for the Nigerian Children,” was organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with UNICEF and the International IDEA.
Chairperson of the CRA Review Committee, Justice Eberechi Suzette Wike, said the recommendations would be considered and integrated as the proposed 444-section amendment underwent further harmonisation.
Wike noted that the contributions demonstrated a collective commitment to strengthening the protection and welfare of children in Nigeria.
“The children of Nigeria will always remember that there was such a community, and people were invited, and very well-enlightened people who can make a difference and can actually make the world even better.” Wike stressed
The stakeholders called for explicit protection for children affected by climate change, stronger safeguards against harmful traditional, cultural and religious practices, and provisions ensuring that the best interests of the child remained paramount.
They also recommended clearer definitions of basic education, sexual abuse and sexually explicit conduct, while seeking stronger protections for children with disabilities through inclusive, accessible and adaptable environments.
On child justice, participants advocated diversion, rehabilitation and other non-custodial measures, alongside specialised child-friendly courts, trained personnel, appropriate facilities and time-bound case management procedures.
They also supported raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 and establishing formal registered learning centres within proposed child justice rehabilitation centres.
The stakeholders further called for stronger supervision services, periodic reporting and mechanisms through which children, parents, guardians and caregivers could challenge failures affecting a child’s rights, safety or welfare.
They recommended improved institutional coordination and accountability, with broader representation of Civil Society Organisations, persons with disabilities, traditional institutions and relevant government structures at national, state and local government levels.
Participants also called for improved child protection data systems, including data on alleged abusers and children in institutions, as well as stronger monitoring and evaluation and faster reporting mechanisms.
Digital protection emerged as another major concern, with stakeholders advocating “safety by design” and “privacy by default” measures to protect children from online exploitation and other harmful digital practices.
They also sought dedicated funding for implementation, adequate infrastructure, sufficient manpower, more social workers, specialised law-enforcement units and stronger support for vulnerable children, victims and witnesses.
The stakeholders recommended accelerated domestication of the amended Act across all states, periodic reviews, harmonisation of state laws and stronger monitoring and implementation mechanisms.
The committee noted that the proposed bill represented a complete redraft of the existing legislation, expanding the framework from 24 to 26 parts and from 278 to 444 sections.
Proposed innovations include the establishment of a child protection fund, an Office of Children and Ombudsman, a deadline for state domestication, a minimum age of criminal responsibility of 12 and expanded family-court jurisdiction.
Wike urged continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that the review process translated into stronger protection for children.
“Thank you all for your patience, for your support, and of course we look forward to seeing you again and again. Because this is something that we are all involved in and we expect to work together,” she said.
Charging participants to uphold strong values, the committee chairperson added:
“Learn your values, stick to them, build character, and be a citizen of not only Nigeria, but an excellent citizen of Nigeria and that of the world.”
Participants included Commissioners of Women Affairs and Social Development, Attorneys-General, judges, academics, Civil Society Organisation representatives, legal practitioners, members of the National Children’s Parliament, development partners, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Correctional Service, among others.
