Children in Nigeria are legally recognized as vulnerable persons under 18, enjoying rights to survival, development, protection, and participation as enshrined in the 2003 Child Rights Act (CRA) aligned with the UN Children’s Rights Convention and African Charter. Yet implementation of these protections is deeply challenged by rising insecurity, school closures due to frequent kidnappings, and violations within vulnerable communities like IDP camps where child marriages occur under economic duress.
Experts lament that the CRA’s impact remains limited, with poor domestication in states, lack of enforcement structures, political will, and social-cultural resistance hindering efforts. Abductions and violence traumatize children physically and mentally, disrupting education and wellbeing. The continuing forced sit-at-home protests in eastern Nigeria exacerbate psychological harm by limiting school attendance and social interaction.
Advocates call for urgent government action to establish child-focused justice systems, social welfare, rehabilitation, and stricter protection laws. Emphasis is also on stopping violations by non-state actors who exploit children’s vulnerabilities, ensuring Nigeria fulfills its legal commitments to safeguard its children as society’s future.
Leave a comment