By Nkechi Eze

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, has reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to establishing a robust and sustainable framework that prioritizes the protection and well-being of Nigerian children. This commitment aims to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children to thrive, addressing pressing issues such as education, healthcare, and social welfare.

The Minister made the disclosure on Tuesday during a meeting with top UNICEF officials, including Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Mr. Gilles Fagninou, and Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, at her office in Abuja.

She highlighted the vital connection between safeguarding children and registering their births, stressing that effective implementation of Universal Cash Grant programs relies heavily on a reliable child identification system.

She emphasized the urgent need for robust data protection laws to safeguard the sensitive information of vulnerable children, especially those impacted by insurgency.

“The time to act is now. We must come together to create a strong and sustainable framework for the protection of Nigerian children.

With the support of UNICEF and other key stakeholders, we are taking a bold step towards a future where every child is safeguarded, empowered, and given the opportunity to thrive,” the Minister concluded.

Jonathan Eze, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, in a statement disclosed that the Minister outlined a roadmap that will herald the birth of a workable national child Rights act starting with the development of a zero draft, followed by extensive consultations over the next two to three months.

She added that the proposed framework would be presented as an Executive Bill, with active collaboration with the states houses of assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate.

Highlighting the urgency of this initiative, the Minister stressed that Nigeria’s global standing is closely tied to how it treats its most vulnerable citizens—its children.

“Every country is judged by how it protects its vulnerable groups, and our children are the most vulnerable. This struggle is not optional; it is something we must do.”

“Nigeria is set to reaffirm its leadership in ECOWAS Women and Children Affairs by hosting the first-ever regional meeting of women and children in West Africa. This groundbreaking event, supported by UN Women, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to promoting the welfare and empowerment of women and children in the sub-region.” She said