Nigerian paediatricians, under the umbrella of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) have tasked the Federal Government and state governments on urgent and effective implementation of Child Rights Act, which hitherto has encountered several setbacks, thereby making the Nigerian child an object of deprivation and molestation of all forms. They particularly decried the pitiable physical state of the children among a group that was recently arraigned at the Federal Court in Abuja.
The children specialists, also urge governments to intensify agricultural initiatives, and focus on reducing the out-of-school population, emphasising that these steps are crucial to safeguarding the rights and future of Nigerian children.
They express grievous concerns over the deteriorating state of child welfare in the country, highlighting economic challenges and social issues that threaten the survival and quality of life of Nigerian children. In press statement jointly signed by PAN National President, Dr Ekanem Nsikak Ekure, and Secretary, Dr Chika Duru, they described Nigerian children as “endangered species” due to growing vulnerabilities linked to poverty, insecurity, and insufficient enforcement of the Child Rights Act.
As the voice of Nigeria’s youth, Ekure calls on government agents to uphold child protection laws and to act decisively to prevent any further deprivation and harm to the nation’s children. She underscores that a brighter future for Nigeria is only possible by ensuring a healthy and safe environment for every child.
Ekure, a professor of Paediatric Cardiology, at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, and also honarary consultant, at the Lagos State University teaching Hospital, draws attention to the worsening conditions Nigerian children face today compared to previous years, when they could enjoy moments of play and recreation despite societal struggles with malnutrition and disease. Today, however, she asserted that children face the daily dangers of kidnapping, ritual killings, sexual abuse, and unjust detentions. She pointed to recent reports of children appearing in court in visibly distressed states, underscoring the severity of the current crisis.
She said Nigeria’s economic challenges over the past months have worsened conditions for many families. With the currency losing value and the cost of living rising, households are struggling to provide basic needs, making children particularly vulnerable. She warns that the current trajectory could undo years of progress made in child survival rates and hinder Nigeria’s ability to meet Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.
According to her, “Food insecurity and malnutrition are key concerns, as nearly 38 per cent of children under five are stunted, 18 per cent are wasted, and 22 per cent are underweight—figures that exceed global averages. PAN anticipates that childhood malnutrition rates could further escalate as economic pressures persist, amplifying risks to health and development for Nigeria’s youngest citizens.”
The PAN President also laments the widening gap between the Child Rights Act’s promises and its actual implementation. The act, intended to protect children’s rights to dignity, nutrition, health, education, and security, remains largely unfulfilled at both federal and state levels. She therefore calls for stricter enforcement to ensure that no child is subjected to detention or captivity that violates these fundamental rights.
“The country’s educational challenges compound these issues, with one in three Nigerian children reportedly out of school. Nigeria contributes 15 per cent of the global out-of-school population, a statistic PAN describes as a “reservoir for socially disgruntled adults” that could pose future threats to the nation’s stability. PAN emphasises the urgent need to address the socio-cultural factors driving children out of school,” she stated.
While commending federal efforts to improve family welfare, such as raising the minimum wage for government workers, Ekure avers that more needs to be done. She emphasises need to reduce insecurity is essential to supporting agricultural activity, which could enhance food security and help achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2, focused on eradicating hunger.
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