By Justina Auta
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of children by enhancing child protection mechanisms and advancing Child Rights Initiatives.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, stated this while commemorating the Universal Day of the Child and launching the State of the Nigerian Girl Report 2025 on Wednesday in Abuja.
Organised in collaboration with Save the Children International (SCI), the event emphasised the need to honour Nigerian children and recognise their positive contributions to society.
Represented by Dr Maryam Keshinro, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, the Minister highlighted the importance of documentation in child protection and noted ongoing government efforts to address rising out-of-school numbers and respond to the recent abduction of schoolgirls.
She further stressed the creation of safe spaces in schools, the review of child-related policies, and the nationwide implementation of the Child Rights Act.
Mr Duncan Harvey, Country Director of SCI, highlighted progress in reducing child marriage rates and called for increased investment in children’s rights, education, and health.
Miss Progress Umo, Speaker of the Nigerian National Children’s Parliament, urged government and stakeholders to prioritise school security and create safe learning environments.
Mrs Edema Irom, Dean of Commissioners of Women Affairs and Commissioner for Cross Rivers State, emphasised that child protection should be a national priority, calling for collaboration between state and non-state actors.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event underlined the collective responsibility of government, NGOs, and communities to ensure that all children are safe, empowered, and able to thrive academically and socially in Nigeria. (NAN
