Federal Government Raises Alarm Over Widespread Violence Against Children, Urges Immediate Reforms

The Federal Government has voiced grave concerns over the alarming rates of violence perpetrated against children across Nigeria.

In a keynote address delivered by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, at the opening of a two-day stakeholders’ forum on October 7, 2024, in Abuja, the government underscored its commitment to addressing the epidemic of violence targeting children.

During her address, Jeddy-Agba revealed the distressing findings of recent studies that highlight the extent of violence against children in Nigeria.

According to the data, an estimated six out of ten Nigerian children experience some form of violence — whether physical, sexual, or emotional — before they reach the age of 18.

“These reports and data underscore the need for concerted efforts among stakeholders to intensify their commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” Jeddy-Agba stated.

“We have to create a world where all children can thrive and be supported to reach their full potential,” she added.

The event, which gathered key government officials, child rights advocates, development partners, and members of the judiciary, called for an urgent response to this crisis.

According to Jeddy-Agba, the root causes of child violence are multifaceted and require concerted, intentional action from all sectors of society.

One of the critical areas highlighted for reform was Nigeria’s juvenile justice system. Jeddy-Agba emphasized the need for systemic changes to government agencies and institutions that deal with juvenile offenders.

She outlined key issues such as overcrowding in juvenile homes, delays in legal processes, and inadequate resources for those in detention.

She proposed a shift towards a reformative, rather than punitive, approach to juvenile justice, emphasizing the need to address the underlying causes of delinquency, such as poverty, neglect, and lack of access to education.

“Apart from addressing overcrowding in juvenile homes, delays in the legal process, and inadequate resources in detention centres to cater to juveniles, there is the need for a review of laws and government policy to adopt a reformative approach for children in contact with the law,” she stated.

Jeddy-Agba further pointed out that while the Child Rights Act guarantees the dignity of children and prohibits physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, the enforcement of these protections remains inadequate.

“It is disheartening that only a fraction of children whose rights are violated come forward to seek redress or have access to justice,” she lamented.

The Permanent Secretary called for increased efforts to ensure children who are victims of violence have access to justice and support services.

She also urged the government, communities, and civil society to work together to strengthen child protection laws, ensure their enforcement, and raise public awareness about children’s rights.

“We must pull together institutional resources and support to ensure that children who suffer violence can report to competent authorities. More importantly, we must ensure that these children receive the necessary physical and mental support to rehabilitate them,” Jeddy-Agba added.

The forum provided a platform for key stakeholders to share their insights and recommendations for addressing child violence.