Stakeholders gather to strengthen Nigeria's Child Rights Act 23 years after enactment

Stakeholders including policymakers, legislators, judges, law enforcement, civil society and international organisations began a three-day National Stakeholders' Engagement on September 21, 2026 to review and amend the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003. Organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice with UNICEF and International IDEA, the engagement aims to create implementable legislation enhancing children's welfare and development nationwide.

Attorney-General Prince Lateef Fagbemi (represented by Solicitor-General Beatrice Jedy-Agba) emphasized child rights as fundamental to human capital development, national security and sustainable development, urging participants to address gaps between legal rights and children's real-life experiences. Chief Justice John Tsoho (represented by Justice James Omotosho) highlighted 23 years of emerging challenges: digital age pressures, insecurity, child labour, child marriage and inconsistent state domestication/enforcement of the Act.

Participants were urged to recommend clearer definitions, stronger enforcement mechanisms, child-friendly court procedures and better coordination between judiciary, law enforcement, social welfare and traditional institutions. The Federal High Court affirmed its readiness to enforce protections where laws are properly enacted and given practical effect.

With Nigerian children facing evolving threats from online exploitation to communal violence, will this review finally bridge the gap between the CRA's promises and the protection children actually need in their communities, schools and homes?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/22/stakeholders-move-to-strengthen-child-rights-act-after-23-years/