By Ameh Gabriel
In a strong declaration of Nigeria’s enduring commitment to child welfare and protection, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, has reiterated that safeguarding the rights of every Nigerian child remains a national priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This was contained in a statement signed EmemMaria Offiong, Head, Press & Public Relations
Federal Ministry of Women Affairs
According to the statement, speaking during an official visit by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) to Nigeria, led by Hon. Robert Nanima, the Minister responded to recent allegations of child rights violations in parts of the country, emphasizing that Nigeria remains proactive, accountable, and resolute in its approach.
“Child protection, development, and family cohesion are not just policy objectives they are national imperatives,” Minister Imaan stated. “While investigations into the allegations are ongoing, the government continues to implement systemic reforms to ensure a safe, just, and nurturing environment for all children.”
Landmark reforms to protect every child
The Minister outlined key strategies already underway to strengthen child protection frameworks nationwide:
Review of the Child Rights Act for full domestication across all 36 states, with emphasis on child-friendly justice systems.
Update of the National Child Policy to reflect emerging social realities and international best practices.
Amendment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) to close legal gaps on child-related offences.
Establishment of a National Child Protection and Development Agency, to harmonise efforts and institutionalise accountability.
Implementation of the EVAC Costed National Action Plan and the National Plan on Ending Violence Against Children.
“See something, say something, we do something” — a nation-wide call to action
The Ministry is also leading a bold new campaign titled “See Something, Say Something, We Do Something”, designed to empower citizens to report child abuse, exploitation, or neglect through accessible platforms. The campaign aims to deliver real-time responses and justice for affected children and families.
Additional efforts being intensified include:
Expansion of child-friendly courts and legal aid services for vulnerable children.
Capacity building for justice sector professionals on child protection and trauma-informed practices.
Launch of alternative care guidelines with a focus on family-based reintegration.
Rollout of the National Family Cohesion and Development Programme, targeting over 5 million Nigerians to foster resilient family systems.
Data-driven accountability and transparency
To enhance transparency and monitor progress, the Ministry is setting up a National Child Protection Database and Child Well-being Index, with technical support from UNICEF and other development partners. A Child Protection Research and Information Centre is also ready for launch in partnership with state governments.
ACERWC applauds Nigeria’s openness and leadership
In his remarks, Hon. Robert Nanima, Nigeria’s Country Rapporteur and Head of Delegation, praised Nigeria’s transparency and readiness to engage in meaningful dialogue:
“We are not here to indict but to collaborate. Nigeria’s willingness to open its doors and share its progress shows true leadership in the advancement of child rights. Africa must stand together to secure the future of its children.”
Other members of the delegation included:
Hon. Joseph Sunday Sinnah – Member, ACERWC
Dr. Ayalew Getachew Assefa – Acting Executive Secretary, ACERWC Secretariat
Ms. Adiam Zemenfes Tsighe – Senior Legal Researcher
Ms. Opal Sibanda Masocha – Legal Researcher
Mr. Solomon Onsase – Senior Finance Officer
Alongside other legal and technical experts
The Honourable Minister was joined by key Ministry officials, including the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Child Development, the Head of Press and Public Relations, and the Special Adviser to the Minister.
As Nigeria continues to lead with empathy, data, and decisive action, Minister Imaan reaffirmed that child protection will remain a central pillar of the nation’s social development agenda.
“We are committed, we are accountable, and we are not leaving any child behind,” she declared.
