As Nigeria joins the rest of Africa to commemorate the International Day of the African Child, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for urgent action to protect children from exploitation, trafficking, violence, child labour, and all forms of abuse.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN who stated this on the eve of the celebration of the 2026 Day of the African Child noted that the future of Nigeria depends on its children who should be given access to quality education in safe environment.
The learned Silk therefore urged all stakeholders to move beyond promises and take concrete steps to safeguard every child’s rights, dignity, and development.
The Executive Secretary reiterated that children’s rights are guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act, and other national laws designed to safeguard their dignity, welfare, and development and therefore should be protected at all times.
In addition, he said Nigeria has signed and ratified international and regional instruments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, regretting that there are still gaps in the protection of these rights.
The NHRC Boss noted that despite these legal protections, many children still face barriers such as poor access to education, child labour, trafficking, violence, exploitation, and displacement caused by insecurity and humanitarian crises.
He stated that the Women and Children Department of the NHRC has continued to receive and investigate complaints involving violations of children’s rights while providing support and referrals for affected children.
The Women and Children Department has also carried out extensive human rights awareness campaigns in schools and communities across the country, educating children, parents, teachers, and community leaders on child rights and responsibilities to ensure better promotion, protection, and enforcement of these rights.
In furtherance of its child protection mandate, the Commission has facilitated the rescue of several children from situations of child labour, abuse, neglect, and early or forced marriages, and has successfully reunited many of them with their families while ensuring appropriate interventions for their welfare and protection.
“The Commission has sustained advocacy against child labour, trafficking, abuse, and other harmful practices, while promoting stronger child protection systems and greater accountability for violations affecting children.
“Education remains a cornerstone of child development. The NHRC therefore calls for greater investment in safe, inclusive, and quality education for all children, especially the most vulnerable.
“On this International Day of the African Child, the Commission reaffirms its unwavering commitment to promoting, protecting, and enforcing the rights of every child in Nigeria and ensuring that no child is left behind”.
