The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, has revealed that the Federal Government has allocated a whopping sum of N112 billion to the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, with the aim of protecting learning environments over the next three years. This allocation is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that schools in Nigeria are safe and secure for students and educators alike.
Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim further stated that the government has made great strides in promoting children’s rights through the adoption and implementation of various initiatives. These measures are part of the government’s broader commitment to protecting the well-being and rights of children in Nigeria.
The Minister’s announcement was made in a statement released on Wednesday in celebration of Universal Children’s Day, which is annually observed with the theme “Advancing Children’s Rights for a Sustainable Future”
She said, “Through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, over N112 billion has been allocated to safeguard learning environments over the next three years, ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all children.”
The Minister underlined the government’s dedication to children’s rights by stating that all 36 states of Nigeria have adopted the Child Rights Act, demonstrating a nationwide commitment to this cause.
Furthermore, she highlighted the positive impact of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, which has been instrumental in strengthening policies to protect children from all forms of violence and abuse.
She declared that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is firmly dedicated to creating an environment that ensures every child in Nigeria has access to education, healthcare, and a life free from fear and harm.
The statement in part, “The Government of Nigeria has made significant strides in demonstrating its dedication to the Nigerian child and has implemented several actions and measures towards achieving this goal, including:
Domestication of the Child Rights Act (CRA 2003): To date, all 36 states in Nigeria have adopted this vital legislation, marking a significant step in protecting children’s rights under the Nigerian Constitution.
“Implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015: This Act has strengthened policies to shield children from abuse, violence, and exploitation, reinforcing Nigeria’s stance against all forms of harm toward its youngest citizens.”
Minister Suleiman-Ibrahim recognized that, despite the significant progress made, there are still challenges in safeguarding children’s rights. She called on all stakeholders to work together to address pressing issues such as child labour, trafficking, harmful cultural practices, and barriers to inclusive education.
