Nigeria seeks measurable results in child protection efforts

The Nigerian government and UNICEF are calling for enhanced accountability and evidence-based strategies to improve child protection and welfare across the country. Ahead of the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) in Manila, the Federal Government emphasized the need to move beyond documenting activities toward demonstrating measurable impacts on children.

During a national preparatory consultation in Abuja, officials highlighted priority areas including the enforcement of the Child Rights Act, strengthening protection systems, and improving child protection data. The government has designated 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development, linking strong family structures to the prevention of abuse and exploitation.

In a parallel effort at the Knowledge Management Summit 2026, UNICEF urged Nigeria to base its child-focused policies on rigorous research and lessons learned from previous programs. UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed stressed that data must be translated into sustainable programs and advocated for the active participation of children and young people in the co-creation of knowledge used to shape policies affecting them.