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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
A new report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) titled Nigerian Child 2025 Report has revealed that two out of every three children in Nigeria live in multidimensional poverty.
This means that the children lack access to essentials such as healthcare, quality education, nutrition, protection, and clean water.
The report also indicated that more than half of Nigerian children experience some form of violence before age 18, while two in five girls are married before turning 18.
At the launch of the report in Abuja on Thursday to celebrate World Children’s Day, the UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Ms Wafaa Saeed, said that while the statistics are sobering, they also reveal that progress is possible with coordinated effort.
She said: “Behind every percentage lies a child whose potential is being stolen by poverty or neglect. But we are also seeing change. Millions of children are getting vaccinated. Millions are back in school, and more families are accessing clean water and social protection. These are victories worth celebrating.
“It is time for all of us—government, development partners, donors, the private sector, and communities—to come together and put the Nigerian child at the top of every agenda. They are not just our responsibility, they are our future.”
Ms Saeed noted that Nigeria’s vast potential lies in its youth. “With nearly half of Nigeria’s population under 18, the choices we make today will define the nation’s future. Every investment in children is an investment in peace, productivity, and progress,” she said.
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The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, in his speech reaffirmed that the entire UN family in Nigeria will continue to stand with the Government of Nigeria and with all partners to support a strong, inclusive, and fair future for every child.
“We are committed to helping to strengthen systems that protect children, support families, and expand opportunities so that every young person can grow and thrive.
“This report gives us a clear and honest picture of the state of childhood in Nigeria. It tells us that two out of every three children live in multidimensional poverty, without access to the basic things they need to grow—things like good nutrition, quality healthcare, safe learning environments, and a protective family and community.
“More than half of Nigerian children have experienced some form of violence, and one in three girls is married before she turns eighteen. These are not just statistics; they are reminders that many children are being asked to overcome challenges no child should ever face.
“But the report also shows that progress is real. Under-five mortality has fallen by more than 40 per cent since 1990. Exclusive breastfeeding has risen from two per cent to 29 per cent. Vaccination coverage has tripled. Millions of children have returned to school. More households are accessing clean water. Communities are doing more to protect their young people. These gains prove that when commitment and partnership come together, lives change. This is also why today matters.
“A report like this is not just a collection of findings. It is a guide, showing us where the gaps are, where progress is happening, and where we must act with urgency.”
