The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and child-rights advocates have called for coordinated national action to safeguard Nigerian children amid escalating insecurity, school closures, and deepening deprivation across the country.
Speaking at a World Children’s Day symposium on Tuesday at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, stakeholders warned that children’s rights to education, healthcare, clean water, and protection are under unprecedented threat. They urged full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and asked the Federal Government to treat the rising insecurity—especially in the North—as a national emergency.
Nigeria in a “State of Emergency” for Children — NGE President
President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, said the worsening attacks and abductions targeting children show the country is facing an emergency comparable only to the Civil War.
“If we did not know before, we should know now. At no other time in our history, except during the Civil War, has the condition of our children been this uncertain,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria now has the highest number of out-of-school children in the world, stressing that these are not just statistics but children whose futures are slipping away.
Anaba urged media organisations to embrace evidence-based, solution-driven journalism and committed personally to using the NGE platform to advocate for children’s rights.
UNICEF: Millions of Nigerian Children Still Left Behind
UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Ms. Wafa Saeed, said progress has been made over the past two decades, but at the current pace, too many children remain excluded.
She lamented that:
- millions of children are unvaccinated,
- acute malnutrition remains widespread, and
- three out of four 10-year-olds cannot read or understand a simple text.
“We know what works—routine immunisation, quality education, nutrition, and protection. When we invest in these areas, we save lives and secure the future,” she said.
Education System in Distress — Netherlands Consul General
The Consul General of the Netherlands, Mr. Michel Deelen, said many Nigerian schools lack basic infrastructure such as roofs, clean water, toilets, and teachers.
He described the situation as unacceptable and reiterated the Netherlands’ continued support for UNICEF.
“Education is the engine of national progress, and it must work everywhere in Nigeria,” he said.
Media Must Go Beyond Episodic Reporting — DAME Chairman
Chairman of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), Lanre Idowu, said although progress has been made, the Nigerian child remains vulnerable.
He called for more in-depth, human-centred journalism:
“The media must move beyond episodic reporting. We need deeper analysis, context, and stories that drive solutions—not just headlines.”
UNICEF: Data Must Guide Nigeria’s Investment in Children
During a panel session moderated by Dr. Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor), UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Ronak Nkan highlighted huge regional disparities in child welfare.
She referenced survey data showing:
- almost 90% of households in Lagos have access to safe water,
- compared to only 3% in Kebbi State.
“No child should suffer because of geography. We invest where children are most deprived,” she said.
Federal Government Highlights Ongoing Interventions
Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Mariam Fitumi Shaibu, outlined efforts to reduce the population of out-of-school children, including:
- the National Commission for Out-of-School Children,
- the AGILE initiative,
- the Lumina Project linking women’s economic empowerment to girls’ enrolment, and
- a new National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene, awaiting FEC approval.
The policy aims to reduce absenteeism among girls caused by poor sanitation and lack of private facilities.
NOA Intensifies National Sensitisation
Director of Public Communication at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Henshaw Ogubuike, said the Ministry of Information has scaled up nationwide campaigns promoting child rights and countering misinformation.
