As part of efforts to safeguard learning environments over the next three years, the Federal Government has allocated N112 billion through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools in the country.
The Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim made this disclosure through a statement on Wednesday, 20 November, 2024 to mark Universal Children’s Day, themed “Advancing Children’s Rights for a Sustainable Future”.
The minister also stated that the government has made significant progress in advancing children’s rights through the adoption and implementation of several initiatives.
“Through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, over N112 billion has been allocated to safeguard learning environments over the next three years, ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all children,” she said.
Highlighting the government’s efforts to protect children’s rights, Suleiman-Ibrahim revealed that all 36 states of the Federation had adopted the Child Rights Act, just as she also noted that the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act has strengthened policies to protect children from all forms of violence and abuse.
She stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to creating an environment where every child has access to education, health, and a life free from fear and harm.
Part of the statement read: “The Government of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is committed to creating an environment where every child has access to education, health, and a life free from fear and harm.”
“The Government of Nigeria has made significant strides in demonstrating its dedication to the Nigerian child and has implemented several actions and measures towards achieving this goal, including:
“Domestication of the Child Rights Act (CRA 2003): To date, all 36 states in Nigeria have adopted this vital legislation, marking a significant step in protecting children’s rights under the Nigerian Constitution”.
“Implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015: This Act has strengthened policies to shield children from abuse, violence, and exploitation, reinforcing Nigeria’s stance against all forms of harm toward its youngest citizens.
“Commitment to the Maputo Protocol: Nigeria is taking bold actions to combat violence against children through legislative reviews, enhanced policies, and comprehensive child protection frameworks”.
The minister also acknowledged that, despite these milestones, challenges persist and called for collective action from stakeholders “to address critical issues such as child labour, trafficking, harmful cultural practices, and barriers to inclusive education.”
