Abuja:Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has urged for improved child-protection data and coordinated efforts to combat violence against children across Nigeria. Speaking at the 10th quarterly meeting of the National Child Rights Implementation Committee in Abuja, she emphasized the need for pragmatic resolutions to address the challenges children face.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Permanent Secretary Mrs. Esuabana Nko-Asanye, stressed the importance of ensuring timely implementation, accountability, and sustained follow-up on agreed actions. She called for quarterly meetings to serve as platforms for problem-solving and coordination to tackle violence against children through measurable interventions.
The minister highlighted the need for stronger engagement with state and local governments to ensure their child rights implementation mechanisms are functional and adequately resourced. She pointed out that reliable and harmonized data are crucial for effective child protection planning and evidence-based interventions, particularly in response to violence and emerging risks.
Mr. Andrew Madugu, Director of the Child Department at the Federal Ministry, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of keeping the best interest of the child central to all interventions. He called for sustained collaboration among various stakeholders involved in child protection to advance child rights in Nigeria.
Dr. MacJohn Nwobiala, Co-chair of the committee, emphasized the necessity for regular meetings and improved information management to support child protection efforts. He called for stronger linkages between national and state committees to enhance coordination and accountability.
Maureen Lance-Onyeiwu, Access to Justice Manager for the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, stressed the importance of translating child-rights commitments into practical protections. She urged the committee to identify gaps and build consensus on reforms that would strengthen the implementation of the Child Rights Act nationwide.