The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children by introducing a grant scheme and strengthening policies aimed at ending violence against children. This declaration was made during an interministerial meeting held in Abuja, where key stakeholders, including the Minister of Women Affairs, emphasized the urgent need for institutional reforms and collective action to combat child abuse, trafficking, and other harmful practices.
This assurance was made during an inter-ministerial meeting held in Abuja, focused on strategies to end violence against children in the country. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, revealed that the government has launched a grant scheme aimed at providing financial support for Nigerian children.
“We’re here not out of routine obligation, but to confront a national emergency—one that hides in our homes, schools, streets, and communities. The silent and pervasive crisis of violence against children in Nigeria must be addressed,” the minister stated.
She explained that the government has introduced cash grants and nutritional support, including free milk, to aid children until they reach adulthood. According to her, the initiative—developed in partnership with international organizations like UNICEF—is designed to be universal, covering every Nigerian child.
Beyond financial assistance, the minister emphasized the need for strong institutional frameworks, legislative reviews, and comprehensive child protection policies to create a safer environment for children.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, expressed her ministry’s support for the initiative and reiterated alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“If we do not take deliberate steps to stop the menace our children are facing, we may not have a future capable of making this nation great,” she warned. “It’s good we are acting now, even if late. Many countries have moved far ahead, but we must still change the narrative.”
She called for the creation of a national platform for childhood development, stating that investing in children is crucial to building a strong and resilient economy.
The ministers jointly urged all stakeholders—including parents, traditional institutions, civil society, and international partners—to work together to eliminate child labor, trafficking, and harmful cultural practices.
The government reaffirmed that prioritizing children’s welfare is not only a moral duty but a national development imperative.
