FG announces full implementation of national plan to end violence against children

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The federal government has announced the full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), marking a new era in child protection and welfare across Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud, made the announcement on Tuesday, May 27, at the 2025 National Children’s Day celebration, themed “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation.”

The president declared that violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in Nigerian society and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for every child.

The National Plan of Action, a comprehensive roadmap, is designed to prevent abuse, ensure perpetrators are prosecuted, and provide robust support for victims. It is underpinned by significant government financing and a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach involving ministries, law enforcement, education, and social services.

President Tinubu emphasised the plan’s broad scope, which includes a thorough review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand protections and close existing implementation gaps. He also highlighted the use of the Cybercrime Act to combat cyberbullying and online exploitation, ensuring children are safe both offline and online.

To enhance monitoring and response, the government is scaling up the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) for real-time tracking and intervention in cases of abuse. The Ministry of Women Affairs is leading nationwide awareness campaigns and strengthening community-based protection mechanisms.

On education, President Tinubu introduced a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, with clear guidelines for school administrators. Teacher training programmes now include social-emotional learning and child safeguarding as core components.

The president also outlined ongoing efforts to expand access to primary healthcare, upgrade Mother and Child Hospitals, and implement the Nutrition 774 Programme and School Feeding Scheme to ensure every child receives adequate nutrition and support.

He assured children that their voices matter and urged them to speak out if they experience harm, promising swift action and protection. He commended states that have prioritised children’s welfare and called on others to follow suit.

FCT Women Affairs Mandate Secretary, Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, echoed the president’s message, urging the full domestication and implementation of the Child Rights Act by all states and calling for bullying-free schools nationwide. She praised parents, caregivers, and educators for their vital role in nurturing children and highlighted ongoing advocacy against gender-based violence and improvements in orphanage home guidelines.

The event concluded with the presentation of trophies to schools that participated in a march-past, celebrating the nation’s renewed commitment to ending violence against children and building a brighter future for Nigeria’s youth.