Tinubu To Set Up Child Protection And Development Agency

President Bola Tinubu emphasized that the Federal Government is committed to safeguarding the rights and future of every Nigerian child. He revealed that plans have been finalized to establish a Child Protection and Development Agency, which will serve as a central body to address all issues related to the welfare of children in Nigeria in a coordinated and focused manner.

Tinubu made this statement on Thursday during the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children. The event took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, with Vice President Kashim Shettima representing the president.

“Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid down the statutory foundation for the protection of children.

“But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable. it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference.

“That is why our national strategy also embraces prevention and early intervention.

“We are strengthening families and communities through programmes that promote positive parenting, challenge harmful social norms, and provide targeted support to vulnerable households. But we must be honest with ourselves. We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability, Tinubu said.

He stated that the real hope lies in action — concrete, deliberate action.

“Our commitment must run deep, reaching into the very architecture of our education and health systems. This is the soul of our human capital development strategy,” he said.

Tinubu added that every Nigerian child should grow and learn in a safe environment.

“We aim to ensure that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This is not simply a policy objective; it is a moral obligation.

“We are investing in safe schools and embedding socio emotional learning into our national curriculum.

“We are rolling out the National Guidelines on Alternative Care to ensure that even children without parental care are raised in love, safety, and stability,” he said.

He assured that his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the protection and well-being of Nigerian children.