Abuja: Stakeholders in the North-East have stressed the need for stronger and sustained efforts to safeguard children’s rights, eliminating all forms of abuse and exploitation. The stakeholders spoke with correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a survey on challenges faced by children, such as child abuse and exploitation.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the survey was in commemoration of the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, observed globally on June 4 every year. The day is aimed at raising awareness about the impact of conflict and violence on children and promoting their welfare. Experts in the region stressed the need for sustained action to address child labour, abuse, and neglect across their states.

Mr Joel Jatum, a public affairs analyst and education consultant in Adamawa, emphasized that the day serves as a crucial reminder to prioritize the rights and welfare of children, especially those affected by conflict and poverty. He pointed out that although the Child Rights Act had been domesticated in Adamawa, implementation remained weak due to limited funding, poor political will, and ineffective enforcement mechanisms.

Ms Lauriya Yusuf, a child rights activist with Pearls and Wellbeing Foundation, acknowledged government efforts but deemed them insufficient. She called for more rescue operations, prosecution of offenders, and sustained public awareness campaigns. According to her, a collective effort by the government, community leaders, and citizens is essential to uphold the rights and welfare of every child.

Mrs Geoffrey Neido, the Adamawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, reiterated the state government’s commitment to enforcing child protection laws. She highlighted the governor’s administration’s efforts, including the declaration of free education and payment of examination fees for secondary school students, as part of a broader strategy to protect children’s rights.

In Borno, stakeholders noted that the prosecution of violators of children’s rights remained rare and urged for a more robust implementation of the laws. Hauwa Abubakar, Borno Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, stated that the state was shifting towards creating family courts and prioritizing rehabilitation over conventional court processes for juvenile justice.

Mr Mohammed Musa, a Child Protection Officer at Citizen Initiatives for Security Awareness, expressed concern over the low number of prosecutions for child rights violations in Borno and other northern states. He emphasized the need for regular and consistent prosecution of individuals who exploit children to improve accountability and child protection outcomes.

In Yobe, the Child Protection Law was fully in force, and the state had domesticated the Child Rights Act 2003. Mr Saleh Samanja, the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, stated that the law addresses critical issues such as child marriage, child labour, trafficking, and access to education and healthcare. The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Yajalo Badama, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to implementing the Child Protection Law and the establishment of child protection desks in all local government areas.

The Emir of Fika, Chairman of the Yobe Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Idrissa, emphasized the council’s efforts to protect children’s rights in line with Islamic values and cultural norms, working closely with the government and religious scholars to educate the populace.