The Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening child protection systems across the country.
Speaking at the 4th Annual Child and Society Conference and Awards held in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the theme, “Protecting Children in a Changing World: Technology, Threats and Transformation,” as both timely and critical.
She noted that while technological advancement has created opportunities for learning and global connectivity, it has also introduced new risks for children, including “online exploitation, cyberbullying, misinformation, and harmful content.”
The Minister emphasised that child protection remains a national priority, stating, “the protection of children is not just a moral obligation, but a national priority and a cornerstone for sustainable development.”
Highlighting government interventions, she said Nigerian children “will not be left out in the Renewed Hope Agenda,” that the administration has launched the “See Something, Say Something, and We Do Something” campaign.
According to her, “we are providing the robust systems necessary to report abuse or violence and, crucially, ensuring that we do something—providing immediate, professional support and justice for every child.”
She further disclosed that the government is investing in strengthening the social workforce through the training of specialized child protection social workers to enhance early detection and intervention.
On policy frameworks, the Minister stated that the government has launched the Costed National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Children and the Costed Action Plan on Ending Child Marriage, describing them as “financial and operational blueprints for progress.”
FutureNow Programme
She also announced the introduction of the FutureNow Programme under the SII 774 framework to equip children with future-ready skills across all local government areas.
Addressing child welfare, she said, “we are supporting families through comprehensive nutrition interventions, including the provision of food rations and the introduction of Nutrition Kitchens across all 774 Local Government Areas.”
Hajia Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that plans are underway to introduce Universal Child Benefits to support vulnerable households.
The Minister called for a multi-sectoral approach, stressing that “government alone cannot do it,” and urged stakeholders to collaborate in safeguarding children’s rights.
She concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to “advancing the protection, development, and participation of children in Nigeria.”
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Award of Beacon of Child Protection” to the Minister in recognition of her efforts.
