Abuja: The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has emerged as the best performing state in child protection and welfare at the 26th National Council on Women and Child Development, held in Jalingo, Taraba. Dr. Idris Attah, Director of Child Development at the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat (WAS), disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Attah stated that the FCT’s recognition followed its successful rollout of structured and measurable frameworks under its women affairs secretariat. He noted that while national councils have emphasized policy design, the FCT distinguished itself by translating federal directives into active local community programs.
Attah highlighted several key structural milestones that contributed to the FCT’s high ranking at the event, such as successful institutional collaboration and digital birth registration integration. Other milestones include the implementation of the Child Right Act and active civic and media advocacy. He dedicated the award to the children of the FCT and everyone working to ensure their protection, welfare, and development, emphasizing that the achievement reflects strong leadership, teamwork, and partnership.
He attributed the success to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s political and unwavering support for child welfare in the territory. Attah also commended the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for her commitment to women and child development. He further lauded Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida Centre for Women Development, for her inclusive legacy in child development as the pioneer Mandate Secretary of WAS.
Attah expressed gratitude to other management of the secretariat, development partners, regulatory and security agencies, and other stakeholders. He stated that the Council brought together all Commissioners of Women Affairs, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors of Women Affairs, Child, Gender, and Family from the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT. Development partners and stakeholders also attended the event, coordinated by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and chaired by the minister, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim.
The event focused on the theme, ‘Strengthening Families and Advancing the Care Economy for Inclusive Development: Operationalising Nigeria’s Renewed Social Protection Architecture’. Attah explained that the 2026 event was organized to build practical and grassroot solutions that reinforce Nigeria’s social protection system. Delegates concentrated on reducing poverty, buffering vulnerable families against economic shocks, and addressing the unequal burden of unpaid care work borne by women and young girls.