President Bola Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government is finalizing plans to establish a dedicated Child Protection and Development Agency aimed at coordinating all matters relating to the well-being and future of Nigerian children in a unified and strategic manner.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inaugural regional meeting of Africa Pathfinder Countries under the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the dignity and future of every Nigerian child.
“Our legal frameworks, including the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, underscore our resolve. But legislation alone is not enough. True protection lies in the implementation and the systems that give these laws life,” the president stated.
He explained that Nigeria’s national strategy prioritizes prevention and early intervention by empowering families and communities. “We are advancing positive parenting programs, challenging harmful social norms, and delivering targeted support to vulnerable households,” Tinubu noted.
The president stressed that action must go beyond symbolic gestures. “We cannot merely echo the plight of our children; real hope lies in deliberate, sustained action embedded within our education and healthcare systems. This is at the heart of our human capital development strategy,” he added.
He further affirmed that ensuring every Nigerian child can grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment is not just a policy goal but a national moral imperative.
Initiatives under this commitment include investments in safe school environments, the integration of socio-emotional learning into the national curriculum, and the rollout of the National Guidelines on Alternative Care to provide stability and love for children without parental support.
