President Tinubu Unveils Bold Action Plan to End Violence Against Children in Nigeria
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a National Action Plan on Ending Violence Against Children, signaling a major shift toward a more coordinated and accountable child protection system in Nigeria.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Africa Pathfinder Countries Regional Meeting under the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, Tinubu emphasized strict enforcement of child protection laws and announced several key initiatives, including:
- A dedicated Child Protection and Development Agency
- A Universal Child Grant to reduce household poverty
- A National Child Protection Database and Child Well-being Index
“Laws alone can’t shield the vulnerable,” Tinubu said. “It’s the systems that enforce them and the will behind those laws that truly make the difference.”
He called for concrete, deliberate action and highlighted that his administration is committed to reforming Nigeria’s education and health systems as part of a broader human capital development strategy.
UN Special Representative Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid urged African leaders to move from commitments to concrete action and focus on peer learning and shared strategies to tackle violence against children.
Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, reiterated progress made since the 2024 Bogotá conference and outlined ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including scaling up the Safe Schools Programme and expanding parenting interventions.
