Stakeholders move to strengthen Child Rights Act after 23 years

Stakeholders in the justice sector on Tuesday began moves to strengthen legislation on the protection of the welfare and rights of Nigerian children.

The stakeholders, including policymakers, legislators, judges, law enforcement agencies, civil society representatives and international organisations, called for appropriate, implementable and enforceable legislation to enhance the development and welfare of Nigerian children.

They spoke at the opening of a three-day National Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Review and Amendment of the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003.

The review is coming 23 years after the Child Rights Act was enacted by the Nigerian government in response to the call of the United Nations.

The event was organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with UNICEF and International IDEA.

Speaking at the event, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, said the development of Nigerian children was inseparable from the development of the country.

Fagbemi, who was represented by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu had placed human capital development, social inclusion and the wellbeing of Nigerians at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Investment in the Nigerian child is an investment in the future workforce, leadership, innovation, peace and prosperity of our nation.

“Every child who is protected from violence, given access to quality education, provided with adequate healthcare, nurtured in a safe family environment and given an opportunity to participate meaningfully in society represents an investment in Nigeria’s future,” he said.

The AGF added that child rights should not be regarded as a peripheral social issue, noting that they were fundamental to human capital development, national security, social stability and sustainable development.

He urged participants to understand that the engagement was not merely to commemorate the existence of the Act but to address the gap between rights guaranteed by law and those enjoyed by Nigerian children in reality.

“Consequently, child rights should not be regarded as a peripheral social issue. Child rights are fundamental to human capital development, national security, social stability and sustainable development,” he said.

Also speaking, the Co-Chair of the Review Committee, Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, who represented the President of the Court of Appeal, commended stakeholders for their efforts towards the review of the CRA.

She urged participants to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the process to ensure a successful outcome, assuring that the judiciary was ready to play its part.

Similarly, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, called on participants to consider the prevailing circumstances affecting the development and welfare of Nigerian children.

Tsoho, who was represented by Justice James Omotosho, said more than two decades had passed since the enactment of the Child Rights Act in 2003, during which Nigerian children had faced challenges that the framers of the law could scarcely have anticipated.

He identified the pressures of the digital age, insecurity, child labour and child marriage, as well as the lack of uniform domestication and enforcement of the Act across the states, as some of the challenges requiring attention.

He assured participants that the courts were ready to enforce whatever protection the law affords children, provided such laws were properly enacted, domesticated and given practical effect.

“It is my hope that this engagement will produce recommendations that close the gaps between legislative intent and judicial enforcement; recommendations on clearer definitions, stronger enforcement mechanisms, adequate provision for child-friendly court procedures, and closer coordination between the Judiciary, law enforcement, social welfare structures, and traditional and religious institutions that shape the everyday lives of our children,” he said.

The Chief Judge also stressed that justice for Nigerian children went beyond legislation, noting the need for accessible courts, procedures that protect children from further trauma and a judiciary sensitised to the particular vulnerabilities of children.

“The Federal High Court, within the limits of its jurisdiction, remains committed to playing its part in this regard,” he added.

Stakeholders move to strengthen Child Rights Act after 23 years