Tinubu launches National Action Plan to end child violence

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a National Action Plan to end violence against children and proposed the establishment of a Child Protection and Development Agency as part of renewed efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s young population.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the inaugural regional meeting of Africa Pathfinder Countries under the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, held Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu stressed the need for the strict enforcement of child protection laws.

Key components of the new roadmap include a Universal Child Grant to combat household poverty, a National Child Protection Database, and a Child Well-being Index to track progress and strengthen accountability mechanisms.

“Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction, but legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable,” Tinubu said. “It is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference.” He emphasized prevention, early intervention, and national awareness campaigns to change harmful norms.

The president also commended the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for leading nationwide child protection initiatives and pledged greater support through capacity-building and resources.

United Nations Special Representative on Violence Against Children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, urged African leaders to move from declarations to concrete action to end child abuse and exploitation.

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted progress since the 2024 Bogotá Ministerial Conference, including updates to Nigeria’s national child policy and expansion of the Safe Schools Programme.

Delegates from Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, and Zimbabwe reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance, applauding Nigeria’s leadership and calling for region-wide implementation of protective reforms.