By Iliya Kure
United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday praised the government of Jigawa State for signing into law the Child Protection Bill, describing it as a big leap for children’s rights in Nigeria.
“This is a great achievement for children in Jigawa and we congratulate the Governor of Jigawa for signing into law the Child Protection Bill,” Deputy Country Representative of UNICEF, Rushnan Murtaza, quoted saying in a statement.
UNICEF said children in Jigawa State continue to face numerous challenges including lack of access to formal education, adequate primary healthcare, good nutrition and protection from violence – especially girls and the situation becomes worse for children in street situation.
“I also want to encourage the different arms of government in Jigawa and other states with child rights legislation to demonstrate their commitment to full implementation by taking ownership of the issue and ensuring children are safe and protected across the state.”
“The domestication of the Child Protection Bill in Jigawa State will help safeguard the rights of children, including ensuring parents, caregivers and authorities across the spectrum fulfil their obligation to protect children, and prioritize access to health and education – especially for the girl-child – amongst several other demands that will enable children grow and thrive on an equal footing,” said Rushnan Murtaza.
Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State signed the bill into law on 22 December 2021, 18 years after the Federal Government of Nigeria enacted the Child Rights Act 2003.
Commenting on the development, Attorney-General of Jigawa State, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, said “the bill has been passed at a critical time when there is a rise in sexual abuse of children, child labour and child trafficking – all of which make children unsafe and subject them to trauma that can have lifelong impact.”
Jigawa is the 29th state to domesticate the Act into a state law, with eight remaining in the country, namely; Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Yobe, Kano and Zamfara States.