FG Reaffirms Commitment to Safety of Children, Universal Rights
The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the safety, rights, and well-being of Nigerian children as the country joins the global community in marking Universal Children’s Day 2024.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted the theme of this year’s celebration, “Advancing Children’s Rights for a Sustainable Future,” as both a call to action and recognition of the progress made in ensuring children’s rights in Nigeria.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to providing an environment where every child has access to quality education, healthcare, and a life free from fear and harm. She cited significant steps taken by the federal government, including the domestication of the Child Rights Act (CRA 2003) in all 36 states and the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015, to reinforce protections for children.
Read Also:
“Our commitment to the Maputo Protocol is further demonstrated by bold actions to combat violence against children through legislative reviews, enhanced policies, and comprehensive child protection frameworks,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated, adding that Nigeria’s global commitment to safeguarding children’s rights was recently reaffirmed at the Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Bogota, Colombia.
The Minister also revealed that over ₦112 billion has been allocated through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools to protect learning environments over the next three years, ensuring safety and inclusivity for all children in schools.
Despite these achievements, challenges such as child labor, trafficking, and harmful cultural practices persist. Sulaiman-Ibrahim called for collective efforts from parents, educators, policymakers, traditional leaders, and communities to address these barriers to inclusive education and child protection.
The Ministry, in collaboration with stakeholders, is focusing on family-centered interventions, promoting equitable education for girls and children in underserved areas, and challenging harmful societal norms, including child marriage and female genital mutilation.
The Minister invited stakeholders to participate in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, scheduled for November 25 to December 10, 2024, emphasizing that children represent the collective future of Nigeria.
“The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs remains steadfast in its mission to build a Nigeria where every child is empowered, protected, and provided the tools to thrive,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim concluded.
