UNICEF has expressed deep concern over the high levels of violence faced by children in Nigeria, with recent studies showing that nearly 60% of children are exposed to physical, sexual, or emotional abuse before the age of 18. Worryingly, only 5% of those affected receive the help and services they need.
Speaking during a two-day forum in Abuja focused on ending violence against children, Mona Aika, UNICEF’s Child Protection Manager in Nigeria, emphasized the urgent need for action. She highlighted that Nigeria has already begun working to improve the ability of key institutions to tackle this issue. Through the INSPIRE framework, efforts are being made to strengthen laws, address harmful traditions like Female Genital Mutilation and child marriage, and create safer environments for children, while supporting parents and caregivers.
Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, emphasized that ending violence against children requires the combined effort of all stakeholders, including government institutions, development partners, and community leaders. She assured that the Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring justice for victims, pointing to the deployment of specialized prosecutors to handle cases involving girls victimized by Boko Haram.
Leticia Ayoola-Daniels, Director of the Administration of Criminal Justice and Reform Department, added that the forum was an important step ahead of the global summit in Bogota, Colombia, offering a chance to review progress and chart a path forward. She stressed that there is a strong commitment from all involved to go beyond talk and take real steps toward protecting children from violence across Nigeria and the wider African region.