The Federal Government has unveiled plans to establish a specialised Child Protection and Development Agency to strengthen the safeguarding and welfare of children across Nigeria.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made this known on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja, held as part of the build-up to the 2025 Children’s Day celebration.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim identified a number of serious challenges affecting Nigerian children including child trafficking, forced labour, early marriage, domestic abuse, and neglect describing them as unacceptable violations of their rights.
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She explained that the proposed agency would provide a unified and comprehensive framework to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children, ensuring their protection, well-being, and holistic development.
“This agency will play a pivotal role in defending children’s rights, preventing abuse and exploitation, and providing essential support to vulnerable children,” the minister stated.
As part of a broader reform agenda, the minister also announced plans to create a National Child Protection Database and a Child Welfare Index to monitor progress, inform policy, and enhance accountability.
“Importantly, Nigeria will establish a standalone agency for child protection and development a single, harmonised structure that will consolidate national efforts in child welfare,” she said.
“This will ensure greater coherence, efficiency, and long-term impact across all programmes and stakeholders.”l
Also speaking at the event, Duncan Harvey, Country Director of Save the Children International (SCI), pledged the organisation’s continued support for the implementation of the Child Rights Act and efforts to strengthen child protection systems nationwide.
Harvey stressed the need for a national anti-bullying framework supported by clear policies, proper implementation strategies, sustainable funding, and effective monitoring mechanisms.
He called for regular training for teachers in safeguarding and positive discipline, the creation of safe and confidential reporting channels in schools, and comprehensive awareness campaigns to protect all children irrespective of gender, disability, or socio-economic background.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and protected both in school and within the wider community,” Harvey affirmed.
