The Executive Director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, has called on the Nigerian government and stakeholders to sustain investment in children despite mounting economic challenges, describing the country’s youthful population as its greatest asset for future growth and development.
Speaking at the end of her working visit to Nigeria, Russell acknowledged progress in child development, including improvements in birth registration, school enrolment and social protection. However, she warned that global economic pressures, insecurity, displacement and climate-related shocks could reverse these gains if investments in child-focused services are not maintained.
With nearly 105 million children and adolescents making up about half of Nigeria’s population, Russell stressed the need for continued funding for healthcare, nutrition, education, safe water, sanitation and child protection.
She commended ongoing government efforts to expand access to essential services, citing visits to a UNICEF-supported health centre in Sokoto where malnourished children are receiving treatment, as well as digital learning initiatives giving out-of-school children a second chance at education.
According to Russell, prioritising children’s wellbeing in their early years is critical to unlocking their full potential, strengthening communities and driving long-term economic prosperity.
She also reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working closely with federal and state governments, development partners and the private sector to improve the lives of Nigerian children.
Russell emphasised that the decisions made today regarding children will shape Nigeria’s future, urging sustained investment as a pathway to inclusive growth, resilience and sustainable national development.
