Nigeria’s failure to protect Child Rights Act: A call for urgent action

The number of out-of-school children, victims of terrorism, those suffering from malnutrition, and those subjected to various forms of abuse is deeply concerning.

For instance, as of May 2022, an estimated 18.5 million children, with girls accounting for 60 percent, were denied access to education in Nigeria.

This shocking revelation was made by Rahama Farah, the head of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) office in Kano. She further emphasised that the frequent attacks on schools by jihadists and criminal gangs in the northern region have severely hindered children’s education.

The fact that this distressing figure has risen from 10.5 million in just one year should serve as a wake-up call to the governors of the states that have yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), approximately 20 million children are currently out of school in Nigeria.

Though, It is truly heartening to see that 34 out of the 36 federating states in Nigeria have embraced the Child Rights Act.

However, it is disheartening to note that Kano and Zamfara States have not yet taken the necessary steps to implement this important legislation, which reflects a lack of concern for the rights of children by their political leaders.

It is important to highlight that the Child Rights Act was internationally recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989 and was subsequently enacted into law in Nigeria as the Children’s Rights Act of 2003.

The Child Rights Act, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989 and signed into law in Nigeria as the Children’s Rights Act of 2003, is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to protect and promote the rights of every child.

It encompasses the rights to survival, development, protection, and participation, while recognising children as individuals and members of families and communities.

Regrettably, the reality for the average Nigerian child remains bleak. Over the years, empirical evidence has highlighted the dire situation faced by many children in the country.

This situation demands urgent attention and action from both the federal and state governments. It is imperative that all states in Nigeria fully embrace and implement the Child Rights Act to ensure the protection and well-being of every child. This includes providing access to quality education, safeguarding children from violence and exploitation, and addressing the underlying factors that perpetuate these injustices. The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its children, and it is our collective responsibility to nurture and protect them.

The governors of Kano and Zamfara States, along with other political leaders, must prioritise the rights of children and take immediate steps to domesticate the Child Rights Act. Only then can we hope to create a society where every child can thrive, contribute, and fulfill their potential.

Since the infamous 2014 Boko Haram kidnapping of 200 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok, numerous schools have fallen victim to similar mass abductions. Shockingly, in 2021 alone, armed men kidnapped approximately 1,500 students, as reported by UNICEF.

As of June 2022, UNICEF’s Nigeria Humanitarian Situation Report disclosed that nearly 290,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been provided with vital integrated primary health care services in IDP camps and host communities.

Among these individuals, a staggering 223,072 are innocent children.Despite these commendable humanitarian efforts, the average Nigerian child’s standing on the socio-economic and food security ladder remains dishearteningly low, as indicated by the Human Development Index (HDI).

For instance, UNICEF highlights the distressing fact that a significant number of pregnant women, including an estimated two million children in Nigeria, suffer from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

Shockingly, only two out of every 10 affected children currently receive the necessary treatment.Regrettably, the violations of children’s rights extend beyond malnutrition and displacement.

They are subjected to various forms of abuse on a daily basis, with only a fraction receiving the help they desperately need in a timely manner. In fact, UNICEF has unveiled the alarming statistic that six out of every 10 children experience some form of violence, with one in four girls and 10 percent of boys falling victim to sexual violence.

In the midst of these troubling circumstances, there is a glimmer of hope shining through as the federal government has established institutions dedicated to safeguarding the rights of children.

The National and State Child Rights Implementation Committees, along with the Child Development Departments in the Ministries of Women Affairs, are working tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.

We urge the states of Kano and Zamfara to follow suit and prioritise the well-being of their children without any further delay.

With high rates of out-of-school children and Under-5 child malnutrition in these states, it is crucial for lawmakers to take swift and decisive action. Let us come together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive and grow in a safe and nurturing environment.

Addressing the issues of out-of-school children and child malnutrition in the states of Kano and Zamfara requires immediate action and collaboration from lawmakers, communities, and stakeholders.

To effectively tackle these challenges, the following solutions should be implemented, the state governments should invest in building more schools, hiring qualified teachers, and providing necessary resources to ensure that every child has access to a quality education.

Additionally, efforts should be made to remove barriers to education, such as gender discrimination and child labour.

It is essential to prioritise the health and well-being of children by strengthening healthcare systems and providing adequate nutrition services. This includes increasing the availability of healthcare facilities, training healthcare workers, and implementing nutrition programs to address child malnutrition.

Engaging and involving communities in the decision-making process is crucial for sustainable change. Local leaders, parents, and community members should be actively involved in identifying and addressing the barriers to education and child well-being. This can be achieved through community dialogues, awareness campaigns, and the establishment of community-led initiatives.

Collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and international partners is vital to address the complex challenges faced by these states. By working together, resources can be pooled, expertise can be shared, and innovative solutions can be developed to ensure the well-being of children.