At an event marking International Human Rights Day, the European Union encouraged the Nigerian government to prioritise children’s access to healthcare, social services and education. Themed “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now – Advancing Rights and Protection for Children in Nigeria,” the event was organised by the EU Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme in collaboration with the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. Gautier Mignot, the EU Ambassador-designate to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasised the need for urgent action to address barriers facing children across the country.
During his remarks, Mignot stressed the importance of Nigerian states advancing past enacting the Child Rights Act and concentrating on putting it into full effect. While recognising the value of passing the Act, he noted that the main challenge lies in turning it into concrete benefits for children. “Every child, whether in Europe or elsewhere, should enjoy the same rights and live free from discrimination or intimidation,” he stated. Mignot also highlighted the EU’s dedication to tackling gender-based violence through targeted investments in prevention and safeguarding efforts.
Tackling child labour and protection gaps in Nigeria.
Furthermore, Mignot urged stakeholders to work collectively towards fostering a Culture of human rights, cautioning that failure to uphold these rights could weaken legal frameworks, destabilise democratic systems, and reduce core societal principles like fairness and equity. His comments reflected the EU’s broader focus on advancing human rights globally, with children at the heart of its agenda. This call to action also highlights the responsibility of Nigerian leaders to ensure that these ideals are not just theoretical but are actively integrated into governance and social policies.
In addition to this, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, called on state governments yet to adopt the Child Rights Act to do so promptly. He expressed concern about the persistence of child labour and the failure to protect children’s rights, pointing out that 11 states have yet to implement the Act, leaving millions of children vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Kalu acknowledged the Child Rights Act’s enactment in 2003 but emphasised that the failure to close the gaps in its enforcement continues to put children at risk. This highlights the urgent need for states to prioritise the protection of children’s rights through swift legislative action and proper implementation.
Drawing from global examples to enhance child protection in Nigeria.
Countries like South Africa and Ghana have implemented similar child protection frameworks with notable success. South Africa’s Children’s Act and Ghana’s Children’s Act have played a key role in improving access to education, reducing child labour, and strengthening enforcement mechanisms. These frameworks have also contributed to raising awareness around child protection and helped create systems for better tracking and support for vulnerable children. Nigeria could draw valuable lessons from these efforts by establishing more robust monitoring systems, improving coordination between agencies, and increasing funding for child Welfare programmes. This approach could enhance the effectiveness of child protection policies and better safeguard children across the country.
Implementing the Child Rights Act across all Nigerian states would bring significant benefits, including stronger legal protection for children and improved access to essential services like Education and healthcare. Enhanced enforcement could help address critical issues such as child marriage, child labour, and gender-based violence, ensuring that vulnerable children are better protected. A nationwide commitment to the Act could also foster a safer environment for children, enabling them to grow, learn, and contribute to the nation’s development. By strengthening these protections, Nigeria could create a society where children are valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
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Altogether, the EU’s call to action highlights the critical urgency for Nigeria to prioritise the protection of children’s rights. While laws like the Child Rights Act provide a necessary legal framework, their true impact depends on robust implementation. To truly safeguard the future of Nigeria, it is essential that every child has access to education, healthcare, and legal protection. This is not merely a moral obligation; it is the foundation upon which a just, equitable, and prosperous society can be built. Only through decisive action can Nigeria ensure that all children are empowered to thrive and contribute to the nation’s long-term growth.