By Olatunbosun Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eliminating bullying and strengthening child protection systems across Nigeria. In a message marking the 2025 National Children’s Day, the President described Nigerian children as the pride and future of the nation, pledging to nurture and safeguard them as tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” Tinubu said the message was both urgent and timely, as it aligned with the country’s broader goal of cultivating a culture where every child feels safe, respected, and heard—whether in physical spaces or online.
“Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today,” he said. Citing global data indicating that more than one in three children regularly experience bullying, Tinubu pointed to local estimates suggesting that up to 65% of Nigerian school-age children have endured physical, psychological, or social aggression. “This is unacceptable. A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right,” he warned.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the federal government has prioritized child protection, Tinubu said, beginning with the full implementation of the recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030). The plan outlines a comprehensive approach to preventing abuse, prosecuting offenders, and supporting victims, backed by coordinated, multi-sectoral efforts and sustainable financing.
Tinubu also announced ongoing reviews of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand the legal scope of protection and ensure effective nationwide enforcement. Additionally, he emphasized the role of the Cybercrime Act in shielding children from online abuse, including cyberbullying and exploitation.
While celebrating the fact that all 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act, the President stressed that legislation alone is not enough. “We require a holistic approach,” he said, calling on parents, teachers, faith leaders, caregivers, lawmakers, and citizens to take collective responsibility for protecting the nation’s children.
The administration, he noted, is scaling up the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) to enable real-time tracking and response to abuse cases. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs, he added, is playing a key role by strengthening community-based protection systems, training frontline workers, and leading campaigns to end harmful traditional practices.
To further protect children within the education sector, Tinubu announced the rollout of a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, along with specific guidelines for school administrators. These efforts include integrating social-emotional learning and safeguarding principles into teacher training programs.
The President also highlighted efforts to support vulnerable children through the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, which is working to ensure inclusive education and opportunity regardless of background. In addition, the National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children have been developed to ensure children without access to biological family support are given proper care and protection.
“Every child deserves to grow up in a loving and protective environment,” Tinubu said, reaffirming his government’s resolve to provide the structures, laws, and partnerships necessary to secure the future of Nigerian children.
