Abuja: The Federal Government has validated more than 40 policy instruments and operational frameworks, including the National Boy Child Policy, to strengthen child protection, family welfare, and social development systems nationwide. Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated that the reforms aim to bridge longstanding gaps between policy formulation and implementation across the social sector.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the minister spoke at the conclusion of a four-day national review and validation exercise in Abuja, highlighting that these reforms would bolster protection systems for women, children, families, and vulnerable groups. The National Boy Child Policy was developed to ensure boys receive adequate support for their development while promoting stronger family and community structures nationwide. ‘We’ve talked about the girl child for many decades; it’s time for our boys,’ Sulaiman-Ibrahim asserted.
The minister also mentioned that the review produced updated frameworks on child protection, family development, care economy, adoption, orphanage management, and services for survivors of gender-based violence. She emphasized the government’s increasing focus on ensuring that policies deliver measurable outcomes for citizens rather than remaining largely institutional documents with limited practical impact.
Anthony Oluborode, who led thematic discussions during the review process, noted that the validation exercise brought stakeholders together to review and update key social protection frameworks. He stated that the reviewed documents would enhance coordination, standards, and implementation mechanisms, thereby improving service delivery and accountability across the country’s social development sector.
Desmond Osemhenjie, Programme Specialist at UN Women, stressed the need for effective implementation of child rights policies to ensure they positively impact children nationwide. He highlighted the importance of focusing on the Boy Child Policy, preventing child abuse, and addressing the growing challenge of out-of-school children. Osemhenjie warned that failing to provide children with education, protection, and support at critical development stages could have long-term consequences on their future.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that commissioners, directors from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), development partners, technical experts, civil society representatives, and media practitioners participated in the four-day review and validation exercise.