Nigerian Government to implement Child Rights Act

The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the effective implementation of the provisions of the Child Rights Act.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, made the commitment in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Thursday at the inauguration of the 5th National Children’s Parliament and commemoration of the United Nations Universal Day of the Child.

On the theme: “Nigeria fit for Children", Maina said the event was part of government's efforts to create awareness on the rights and welfare of children.

Maina said: "We believe that the Child Rights Act constitutes the appropriate platform for the promotion of the welfare, health and development of the Nigerian child, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for Nigeria.”

The ministry's mission

The minister explained that the ministry's mission was “to serve as the national vehicle to bring healthy development to Nigerian children, women, the socially disadvantaged and the physically challenged”.

According to her, government would inaugurate the National Child Rights Implementation Committee, charged with the responsibility of implementing programmes that would enhance the welfare and rights of the child.

Maina said efforts were currently ongoing to establish a Child Protection Network at all levels, especially at the community level, to sensitise the public to what constituted child abuse and facilitate the prosecution of offenders.

She explained that the ministry was working with the National Assembly to restructure the Nigerian Children’s Trust Fund to make it more functional, to meet the expectation for which it was created.

“Through meaningful participation, children can learn about their rights, explore a spectrum of relationship and prepare for active citizenship of the future,” she noted.

Earlier, Nkem Orakwue, Coordinator, Nigerian Children’s Parliament, said the establishment of the Parliament had given the Nigerian child a voice in their own affairs, communities and the country in general.

NAN/Adekusibe/Ekata