The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Kebbi State House of Assembly to establish a committee dedicated to the Child Protection Act and to consider incorporating child benefit allowances into the state’s policies.
UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office for Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States, Mr Michael Juma, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Assembly in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.
Juma noted that UNICEF’s work is centred on promoting the Child Rights Act, adding that within that framework, the Child Protection Act in Kebbi remains pending and should be transmitted to the Executive for approval.
“We are seeking your support in rallying members of both the Assembly and the Executive to pass the Child Protection Act into law in the best interest of children in Kebbi,” he stated.
Speaking on the proposed Child Benefit Allowance, Juma urged the Assembly to support its adoption, emphasising that it would foster inclusive social development for children, especially in disadvantaged local government areas.
“Our aim is to ensure children have access to quality education, healthcare, clean water, nutrition, and sanitation across the state,” he said.
He also addressed the need for a Social Protection Act, highlighting that Kebbi records one of the highest levels of multidimensional poverty in the country.
Juma affirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the state in developing social protection mechanisms for the most vulnerable women and children.
In response, the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Zuru, expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s contributions across various sectors of social and economic development in the state.
He reaffirmed the Assembly’s readiness to collaborate with UNICEF in achieving its mission.
“We will hold an executive session to deliberate on the possibility of introducing a Child Benefit Allowance and consider establishing a committee to that effect,” he said.
“Regarding the Child Rights Act, we are fully engaged with the process and will ensure the bill is submitted to the Executive for comprehensive deliberation,” Usman-Zuru assured.
