Nigeria inaugurates committee to review National Child Policy

The Ministry of Women Affairs has inaugurated a national committee to review the National Child Policy, 18 years after its introduction in 2007.

Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the review aims to improve the lives of Nigerian children by ensuring access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment.

She urged the committee to adopt an inclusive approach, involving all stakeholders, including children, and addressing the needs of marginalized and disabled communities.

According to her, “It is imperative to draw your attention, as members of this committee, that the tasks before you are both vital and challenging. You are entrusted with the responsibility of reviewing a policy that will guide our nation in protecting and promoting the rights of children. Hence your expertise, insights, and commitment will be crucial in ensuring that our policy reflects the realities faced by our children today and anticipates the challenges of tomorrow,” she said.

She urged them to leverage on technology and innovation in their approach.
” As you are aware, the world is changing rapidly; there is no gain in saying that our policies must adapt to ensure that our children are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in a dynamic global landscape.”

The committee, chaired by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to deliver a policy that will positively impact children nationwide.

“I want to assure you that the committee will give a national child policy that will stand the test of time; if you look at the policy, its 18 years old. Congratulations to every member of the committee; you have been carefully nominated to serve, and you will display the confidence reposed in you by your respective ministries, departments and agencies.”

Members of the committee include representatives from the ministry, civil society, and international organizations such as UNICEF.

In 2003, Nigeria adopted the Child Rights Act to domesticate the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Committee will act in line with the following Terms of Reference:

To develop a repository for desk review and conduct a comprehensive review of other existing policies to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
To determine and co-opt relevant members of staff into the Committee;
To determine the scope of the review of the National Child Policy (2007);
To develop the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the recruitment of the Lead Consultant;
To complete the task by 31st November 2025.