By Babagana Bukar Wakil
As the world marks the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, the National Human Rights Commission NHRC has issued a passionate call for collective national action to protect Nigerian children from abuse, exploitation, and violence.
Speaking on the occasion, NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, underscored the urgent need to address the root causes of child abuse, including poverty, insecurity, and lack of access to quality education.
“Millions of Nigerian children are emotionally, physically, and sexually abused. The crisis in the North East due to insurgency, and the sit-at-home policies in the South East, have deprived children of safety, education, and stability,” Dr. Ojukwu lamented.
The day—commemorated globally every June 4th—takes on special significance in Nigeria, where conflict, displacement, and neglect continue to fuel violations of children’s rights. Dr. Ojukwu expressed deep concern about the plight of children in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, many of whom are forced to beg for survival, leaving them exposed to further exploitation.
“These experiences leave scars that affect their growth, development, and future potential,” he warned.
Despite the grim realities, Dr. Ojukwu acknowledged progress in child protection, citing initiatives such as the School Feeding Programme, Safe School Initiative, and the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) as evidence of Nigeria’s commitment to securing a better future for its children.
He, however, called on the National Assembly to fast-track legislation on the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, stressing that secure learning environments are essential for the mental and physical development of Nigerian children.
Dr. Ojukwu also urged authorities to strengthen the implementation of the Child Rights Act, support IDP camps, and confront the systemic issues fueling child exploitation. He made a special appeal for a coordinated response to the plight of Almajiri children, many of whom are left unprotected and out of school.
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