The Federal Government and key justice sector stakeholders have commenced a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (CRA) 2003 to close the widening gap between legislative provisions and the realities confronting Nigerian children. The move aims to introduce implementable and enforceable amendments capable of protecting minors from emerging modern threats across the country. 

The three-day National Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Review and Amendment of the CRA opened in Abuja with policymakers, legislators, judges, law enforcement agents, and civil society representatives in attendance. Organized by the Federal Ministry of Justice in collaboration with UNICEF and International IDEA, the session marks the first major legal overhaul since the law was enacted 23 years ago.

Speaking at the opening session, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, asserted that the development of Nigerian children remains fundamentally linked to national security and sustainable development. Fagbemi stated that protecting children from violence and ensuring access to quality education are core priorities under President Bola Tinubu`s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The AGF, who was represented by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, cautioned that child welfare must no longer be treated as a peripheral social concern. He challenged the delegates to focus on eliminating structural deficiencies that prevent children from fully enjoying the legal protections originally guaranteed by the 2003 Act.

Lending judicial weight to the initiative, the Co-Chair of the Review Committee, Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, lauded the multi-sectoral collaboration and pledged the total commitment of the bench to the reform process. Representing the President of the Court of Appeal, she urged participants to utilize their institutional expertise to deliver a flawless, realistic statutory framework.

Similarly, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, warned that the contemporary landscape presents severe pressures that the original framers of the law could not have anticipated over two decades ago. In a remark delivered by Justice James Omotosho, Tsoho identified the pressures of the digital age, rising insecurity, widespread child labor, and early marriage as urgent challenges requiring immediate intervention.

The Chief Judge specifically frowned upon the lack of uniform domestication and enforcement of the Child Rights Act across various states of the Federation. He noted that legislative intent can only manifest as true justice when coupled with accessible, child-friendly court procedures that insulate traumatized minors from further systemic distress.

Justice Tsoho assured that the federal courts stand ready to fully enforce the emerging protections, provided they are backed by precise statutory definitions and enhanced multi-agency coordination. The stakeholders are expected to submit a harmonized draft bill to the National Assembly at the conclusion of the three-day convention.