The Nigerian government, in collaboration with UNICEF and International IDEA, has initiated a review of the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003. The three-day National Stakeholders' Engagement aims to strengthen legislation on the protection of children's welfare and rights. The Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized that investing in Nigerian children is crucial for the country's future workforce, leadership, innovation, peace, and prosperity.
The review of the Child Rights Act comes 23 years after its enactment in response to the United Nations' call. Stakeholders, including policymakers, legislators, judges, and civil society representatives, are seeking to address gaps between rights guaranteed by law and those enjoyed by Nigerian children in reality. The Attorney-General stressed that child rights are fundamental to human capital development, national security, social stability, and sustainable development.
Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, Co-Chair of the Review Committee, commended stakeholders for their efforts and urged participants to contribute to a successful outcome. The judiciary is ready to play its part in enforcing the law. Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, called on participants to consider prevailing circumstances affecting Nigerian children's development and welfare, including the pressures of the digital age, insecurity, child labor, and child marriage.
The Chief Judge identified the lack of uniform domestication and enforcement of the Act across states as a significant challenge. He assured participants that the courts are ready to enforce protections afforded to children, provided laws are properly enacted, domesticated, and given practical effect. The Federal High Court remains committed to playing its part in ensuring justice for Nigerian children.
The stakeholders' engagement aims to produce recommendations that close gaps between legislative intent and judicial enforcement. Participants will consider clearer definitions, stronger enforcement mechanisms, adequate provision for child-friendly court procedures, and closer coordination between the judiciary, law enforcement, and social welfare structures.
Justice for Nigerian children goes beyond legislation; it requires accessible courts, procedures that protect children from further trauma, and a judiciary sensitized to children's vulnerabilities. The Federal Ministry of Justice, UNICEF, and International IDEA are working together to ensure that the review of the Child Rights Act leads to tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerian children.
The Attorney-General's administration, under President Bola Tinubu, prioritizes human capital development, social inclusion, and the well-being of Nigerians. The Renewed Hope Agenda emphasizes the importance of protecting children's rights and welfare. The review of the Child Rights Act is a crucial step towards ensuring that Nigerian children receive the protection and care they deserve.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has initiated a review of the 23-year-old Child Rights Act to strengthen legislation on children's welfare and rights.
- Stakeholders are seeking to address gaps between rights guaranteed by law and those enjoyed by Nigerian children in reality.
- The review aims to produce recommendations for clearer definitions, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and child-friendly court procedures.
