On Tuesday, those involved in the justice sector started working to improve laws protecting the rights and wellbeing of Nigerian children.
Policymakers, lawmakers, judges, law enforcement agencies, representatives of civil society, and international organisations were among the stakeholders who demanded suitable, enforceable, and implementable laws to improve the welfare and development of Nigerian children.
At the start of a three-day National Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Review and Amendment of the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003, they gave a speech.
The evaluation is taking place 23 years after the Nigerian government passed the Child Rights Act in response to a UN request.
The Federal Ministry of Justice coordinated the event alongside International IDEA and UNICEF.
Nigerian children’s development is inextricably linked to the nation’s progress, according to Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, who spoke at the event.
Fagbemi, who was represented by Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda was centred on social inclusion, human capital development, and Nigerian welfare under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Investing in Nigerian children is an investment in our country’s future workforce, leadership, innovation, peace, and prosperity.
“Every child who is shielded from violence, given access to high-quality education, adequate healthcare, nurtured in a safe family environment, and given the chance to participate meaningfully in society represents an investment in Nigeria’s future,” he declared.
The AGF further stated that child rights should not be viewed as an incidental social concern, pointing out that they are essential to the development of human capital, national security, social stability, and sustainable development.
He asked participants to realise that the purpose of the engagement was not only to celebrate the Act’s existence but also to address the disparity between the rights that Nigerian children really enjoy and those that are guarantyd by the law.
He stated that the development of human capital, national security, social stability, and sustainable development all depend on the rights of children.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, Co-Chair of the Review Committee, also praised stakeholders for their efforts in reviewing the CRA.
Assuring that the judiciary was prepared to contribute, she encouraged participants to use their wealth of knowledge to the process to guarantee a successful outcome.
In a similar vein, Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, urged participants to take into account the current conditions influencing the welfare and development of Nigerian children.
Tsoho, who was represented by Justice James Omotosho, stated that almost 20 years had gone by since the Child Rights Act was passed in 2003 and that Nigerian children have encountered difficulties that the law’s creators could not have predicted.
He listed some of the issues that need to be addressed, including the demands of the digital era, instability, child labour and child marriage, and the absence of consistent domestication and implementation of the Act throughout the states.
He gave them the assurance that, as long as the laws were duly passed, domesticated, and put into practice, the courts would be prepared to uphold any protection that the law provides for children.
“It is my hope that this engagement will produce recommendations that close the gaps between legislative intent and judicial enforcement; recommendations on clearer definitions, stronger enforcement mechanisms, adequate provision for child-friendly court procedures, and closer coordination between the judiciary, law enforcement, social welfare structures, and traditional and religious institutions that shape our children’s everyday lives,” he stated.
The Chief Judge further emphasised that justice for Nigerian children extended beyond the law, pointing out the necessity of easily accessible courts, protocols that shield kids from additional trauma, and a judiciary that is aware of the unique vulnerabilities of kids.
He continued, “The Federal High Court remains committed to playing its part in this regard, within the limits of its jurisdiction.”