Nigeria Moves to Strengthen Protection, Welfare Rights of Children
Alex Enumah in Abuja Stakeholders in the justice sector have begun the process of strengthening legislation on the protection of the welfare and rights of the Nigerian children. The stakeholders which
Nigeria is taking steps to bolster legislation and safeguard the welfare and rights of its children. Policy-makers, legislators, judges, law enforcement officials, and representatives from civil society gathered for a three-day national engagement to review and amend the Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2023. This initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with UNICEF and International Idea, aims to enhance the development and prosperity of Nigerian children.
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized that investing in the Nigerian child translates to investing in the country's future workforce, leadership, innovation, peace, and prosperity. Acknowledging the significant role of child rights in human capital development, national security, social stability, and sustainable development, Fagbemi urged participants to move beyond mere commemoration of the Act's existence to determining how to translate guaranteed rights into reality for every Nigerian child.
Co-Chair of the Review Committee and the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, commended stakeholders for their efforts thus far in reviewing the CRA. She stressed the need for participants to leverage their expertise to achieve a successful session. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, encouraged participants to consider the current challenges faced by Nigerian children, including the impact of the digital age, insecurity, child labor, child marriage, and the uneven domestication and enforcement of the law.
Justice Omotosho emphasized the urgent need for recommendations that bridge the gap between legislative intent and judicial enforcement. He advocated for clearer definitions, stronger enforcement mechanisms, adequate provisions for child-friendly court procedures, and better coordination among various sectors involved in children's welfare.
He stressed that justice for the Nigerian child transcends legislation and requires accessible courts, trauma-free procedures, and judiciary sensitization to the unique vulnerabilities of children.
Miss Progress Umoh, Speaker of the National Children Parliament, highlighted the transformed world in which Nigerian children now grow up, calling the review exercise an opportunity to assess whether the law still adequately protects the child it intends to safeguard.
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