The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has affirmed that the Nigerian government is actively addressing recent allegations of child rights violations in parts of the country.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by EmemMaria Offiong, Head of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, efforts are underway to safeguard children, support families, and strengthen legal protection frameworks.
The statement followed a courtesy visit by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), led by Mr Robert Nanima, Nigeria’s Country Rapporteur and head of the delegation.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the protection and well-being of every child under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Child protection, development, and family cohesion are not just policy objectives; they are national imperatives,” she stated.
While investigations into the allegations are ongoing, the minister emphasised that Nigeria continues to take proactive, systemic steps to ensure a safe, just, and nurturing environment for every child.
She highlighted several ongoing reforms and programmes focused on protecting vulnerable children and strengthening family structures.
These include a review of the Child Rights Act to ensure full domestication across all 36 states and updates to the National Child Policy.
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Further initiatives mentioned were the amendment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the establishment of a Child Protection and Development Agency.
She also outlined the implementation of the EVAC Costed National Action Plan and the National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Children.
The minister unveiled a newly launched national campaign titled “See Something, Say Something, We Do Something,” designed to provide citizens with accessible platforms to report abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
The campaign, she noted, aims to enable real-time responses and justice for affected children.
Additional efforts include the expansion of child-friendly courts, provision of legal aid for vulnerable children, and capacity building for justice sector professionals on child protection laws and protocols.
She also noted the rollout of alternative care guidelines prioritising family-based reintegration over institutional placement.
To strengthen family systems, the government will inaugurate the National Family Cohesion and Development Programme, which targets over five million Nigerians to help build resilient and stable family units.
“To track real-time improvements and guide policies, the government is establishing a National Child Protection Database and a Child Well-being Index,” she added.
The minister also disclosed plans to operationalise a Child Protection Research and Information Centre, with technical support from UNICEF and other development partners, in collaboration with state governments.
In his remarks, Mr Robert Nanima expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s hospitality and transparency during the ACERWC’s visit.
“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 the future they deserve,” he said.
Other members of the delegation included Joseph Sunday-Sinnah, ACERWC Member; Dr Ayalew Getachew-Assefa, Acting Executive Secretary of the ACERWC Secretariat; and Ms Adiam Zemenfes Tsighe, Senior Legal Researcher.
Also in attendance were Ms Opal Sibanda Masocha, Legal Researcher; Mr Solomon Onsase, Senior Finance Officer; and several other technical experts.