The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, says the Federal Government has allocated the sum of N112bn, through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, as part of efforts to safeguard learning environments over the next three years.
The minister also stated that the government had made significant strides in advancing children’s rights through the adoption and implementation of several actions.
The minister said this in a statement on Wednesday to mark the Universal Children’s Day, with the theme “Advancing Children’s Rights for a Sustainable Future.”
“Through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, over N112bn has been allocated to safeguard learning environments over the next three years, ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all children,” she said.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to protect and safeguard children’s rights, Sulaiman-Ibrahim disclosed that all 36 states of the federation had adopted the Child’s Rights Act, adding that the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act had strengthened policies to protect children from all forms of violence and abuse.
She stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was committed to creating an environment where every child had access to education, health and a life free from fear and harm.
“The Government of Nigeria has made significant strides in demonstrating its dedication to the Nigerian child and has implemented several actions and measures towards achieving this goal including the Domestication of the Child Rights Act (CRA 2003).
“To date, all 36 states in Nigeria have adopted this vital legislation, marking a significant step in protecting children’s rights under the Nigerian constitution.
“Implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015: This Act has strengthened policies to shield children from abuse, violence, and exploitation, reinforcing Nigeria’s stance against all forms of harm toward its youngest citizens.
“Commitment to the Maputo Protocol: Nigeria is taking bold actions to combat violence against children through legislative reviews, enhanced policies, and comprehensive child protection frameworks,” the minister said.
She also noted that despite the milestones, challenges persisted and called for collective action from stakeholders “to address critical issues such as child labour, trafficking, harmful cultural practices, and barriers to inclusive education”.
