Tinubu: FG to Launch Child Protection Agency, Reaffirms Commitment to Nigerian Children’s Future

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the future of Nigerian children by unveiling a new agency focused solely on child welfare.

Speaking at the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said the government is taking concrete steps beyond policy promises.

“We Must Act — Not Just Speak”

“Legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable — it is the will behind those laws and the systems that enforce them that make the difference,” Tinubu declared.

He highlighted Nigeria’s robust legal foundation—including the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act—but emphasized the need for action beyond statutes.

A Unified Approach to Child Welfare

Tinubu revealed that the new Child Protection and Development Agency will serve as a centralized body to coordinate all child-related initiatives.

“We aim to ensure that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment,” he said.

Beyond Laws: Building Safe Communities

The president noted that the administration is focused on:

• Strengthening families and communities with positive parenting programs

• Challenging harmful social norms

• Supporting vulnerable households

• Embedding socio-emotional learning into the national curriculum

• Rolling out safe school initiatives

• Implementing National Guidelines on Alternative Care for children without parental care

“This is not just a policy goal; it is a moral obligation,” Tinubu said.

Why This Matters

With growing concerns over child abuse, neglect, and unsafe learning environments, this move by the Federal Government seeks to bridge the gap between policy and protection, ensuring Nigerian children are shielded from violence, educated with care, and raised in secure environments.

https://youtube.com/shorts/MN5fv4AN8tw?si=a9eGGUz52u_Lxcl8