Abuja: The Federal Government has embarked on an extensive review of Nigeria’s child protection policies, including the 19-year-old National Child Policy and pending international child rights reports. This initiative aims to bolster protections nationwide, as highlighted during the National Policy Forum on Women, Children and Families organized by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the forum seeks to enhance services across the country. Mrs Esuabana Asanye, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, emphasized that the review reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children, women, and vulnerable groups nationwide. The forum is evaluating Nigeria’s Draft 5th-8th Combined Periodic Reports on the Rights of the Child, along with other strategic policy documents guiding child protection interventions.
Asanye noted the strategic importance of the documents under review, which include the 2007 National Child Policy, guidelines for adoption services, and social service workforce assessments. The review also encompasses multidisciplinary service delivery models tailored to the digital age and the Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform, aiming to fortify care systems and family support.
She stated that the review’s outcomes would inform future interventions, enhance protection mechanisms, and improve welfare for vulnerable groups, while supporting evidence-based policymaking and implementation nationwide. Stakeholders were urged to ensure the documents accurately reflect the diverse realities and needs of children and families across Nigeria.
Save the Children Country Director, Duncan Harvey, represented by Deputy Country Director Jane Mutua, acknowledged the review’s timeliness, noting ongoing protection challenges faced by children. According to her, despite existing legal and policy measures, children continue to suffer from violence, neglect, poverty, and other vulnerabilities. Mutua pointed out climate-related shocks, online exploitation, and mental health concerns as emerging threats necessitating stronger protection responses.
She stressed the importance of centering children in all policies and ensuring their voices influence decisions impacting them. Mutua advocated for increased investment in social workers and frontline responders, emphasizing their critical role in building effective child protection systems.
Dr Mac-John Nwobiala, Co-Chairman of the National Child Rights Implementation Committee, highlighted the review’s potential to help Nigeria fulfill outstanding obligations to international child rights bodies. He identified inadequate funding and weak data management systems as significant barriers to effective implementation of child rights programs.
Mr Erhumwunse Eghosa, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, represented by Mr Chijioke Nwakaudu, expressed confidence that the reforms would strengthen child protection and care systems. He praised the ministry for promoting family-based care and policies supporting vulnerable children through inclusive social protection measures.
Mrs Amina Abdullahi-Sani, representing state commissioners for women affairs, called on stakeholders to actively engage in the validation process, contributing to strengthening policy outcomes. The review’s result is expected to shape policies affecting women, children, and persons with disabilities, enhancing protection and access to services nationwide.
The five-day meeting includes government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and child rights advocates, all working together to review and improve child protection policies across Nigeria.