President Bola Tinubu has launched a comprehensive National Action Plan aimed at eradicating violence against children across Nigeria, placing emphasis on the full enforcement of the Child Rights Act and other protective laws. The plan, which includes practical measures to tackle child abuse and neglect, was announced during the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu pledged his administration’s unwavering dedication to ensuring the safety, dignity, and future of Nigerian children. He outlined a multi-pronged approach to child protection, underpinned by structural reforms, improved accountability systems, and robust data collection.

Institutional Reform: Child Protection and Development Agency

One of the central pillars of the action plan is the creation of a Child Protection and Development Agency, which will serve as a central coordinating body for all child-related policies and initiatives in Nigeria. Tinubu emphasized that this agency will bring coherence and unity to government efforts aimed at safeguarding children’s rights and welfare.

Additionally, the administration plans to roll out a Universal Child Grant, a direct intervention to reduce poverty among households and minimize the vulnerability of children. This grant aligns with global best practices for social protection and is expected to act as a buffer against economic hardship, which often exacerbates child neglect and abuse.

New Tools for Monitoring and Accountability

To ensure measurable progress and accountability, the government will also establish a National Child Protection Database and introduce a Child Well-being Index. These tools will provide real-time data on the status of child welfare nationwide, enabling policymakers to respond effectively to emerging trends and challenges.

President Tinubu stated that these actions form part of a national strategy rooted in prevention, early intervention, and the strengthening of families and communities. He said that efforts are being made to support positive parenting, change harmful cultural norms, and provide targeted assistance to vulnerable households.

“Legislation is not enough” — Action Must Follow

Speaking passionately about the urgency of the issue, Tinubu stressed that laws alone are insufficient if they are not enforced effectively. He referenced Nigeria’s legal framework, including the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, as critical tools that require vigorous implementation.

“Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable—it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference,” he declared.

The President emphasized that government institutions like the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs have been equipped with the necessary training and resources to spearhead this mission. However, he urged all stakeholders to engage with sincerity and take deliberate, sustained action rather than offering mere rhetoric.

“We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticizing their vulnerability. The real hope lies in concrete action, deliberate action,” Tinubu asserted. “Our commitment must run deep, reaching into the very architecture of our education and health systems. This is the soul of our human capital development strategy.”

Raising Public Awareness and Promoting Behavioral Change

To reinforce legal enforcement, Tinubu said the government will launch national awareness campaigns aimed at transforming public attitudes towards children and pushing for behavioral changes. These campaigns will tackle harmful practices such as child marriage, child labor, and other forms of abuse that persist in many parts of the country.

The regional meeting was also recognized as a vital platform for collective action. Tinubu highlighted the significance of the Africa Pathfinder Countries’ initiative, saying it revitalized commitments made during the First Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, held in Bogotá, Colombia, in November 2024.

UN Urges Concrete Implementation Beyond Promises

The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, addressed the gathering and urged African leaders to go beyond verbal commitments. She called for concrete, measurable action plans to protect children from exploitation and violence.

Dr. M’jid encouraged delegates and participants to share effective strategies and build peer learning networks that address common challenges in achieving child safety across Africa.

Women Affairs Minister Reaffirms National Commitment

Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, expressed the country’s renewed dedication to child protection under the Renewed Hope Agenda. She provided an update on Nigeria’s progress since the Bogotá conference, including:

• Strengthening of legal frameworks

• Expansion of the Safe Schools Programme

• Scaling up of positive parenting initiatives

• Increased funding allocations to child protection services

She revealed that Nigeria is currently reviewing its national child policy framework, and has adopted a National Strategy and Costed Action Plan to End Child Marriage, reinforcing the government’s focus on data-driven, accountable, and inclusive action.

African Pathfinder Countries Reaffirm Pledges

Delegates from Zimbabwe, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Burkina Faso also reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to ending violence against children. They praised Nigeria’s leadership in the initiative and shared updates on the progress made at the national level.

The African representatives jointly called for a shift from symbolic gestures to intentional, practical steps that tackle the root causes of violence against children. They encouraged policymakers, civil society, and community leaders to work together to bring real change and ensure that every child on the continent lives free from violence, exploitation, and abuse.

Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for Africa’s Children

President Tinubu’s unveiling of the National Action Plan marks a bold step forward in Nigeria’s fight to end violence against children. By combining structural reforms, financial interventions, data-driven decision-making, and community-based strategies, the administration hopes to build a safer and more nurturing environment for the country’s youngest citizens.

As the regional leaders concluded their discussions in Abuja, a shared vision began to emerge — one in which African countries stand united in protecting children, not just through promises, but through consistent action and enduring political will.