By Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of its children. At the First Regional Meeting of Pathfinder African Countries on the Global Alliance to End Violence Against Children, Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasized the importance of collective action in ending violence against children.
“It is our moral and collective responsibility to ensure no child lives in fear or is left behind,” she said. The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to supporting 2 million at-risk children by 2030 and eliminating harmful practices in 18 states by 2028.
Nigeria aims to achieve the following key targets:
- Providing services for 2 million children by 2030
- Eradicating harmful practices in 18 states by 2028
- Enforcing the Child Rights Act and Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, also spoke at the event, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting children’s rights. “Violence against children knows no age, race, or color,” she said. “We have ratified international Labour Organization ILO conventions on child labor nationwide and are committed to empowering our children through education, skill development, and digital technology access.”
The two-day meeting, which started on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, and continues on Thursday, May 8, 2025, aims to strengthen partnerships, share innovations, and drive measurable actions toward child protection. Important dignitaries in attendance include Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs; Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment; representatives from 14 African countries; UNICEF representatives; and Pathfinder Initiative representatives.
