By Emmanuella Oghenetega
ActionAid Nigeria has called for an urgent, unified action to protect the rights and dignity of Nigerian children, as it urges the government at all levels, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to acknowledge the dire conditions facing many children in Nigeria and to prioritise investments that secure their future.
Speaking in Abuja, Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, described the situation of the Nigerian child as alarming and untenable
“Despite the children’s day celebratory nature, with this year’s theme; Tapping the Untapped Natural Treasure, the reality for many Nigerian children is far from joyful.”He said.
He stated, that the convergence of escalating insecurity, deepening poverty, and widening digital divides has created a crisis that threatens the well-being and future of the country’s children. Our children are the heartbeat of this nation, yet many are trapped in cycles of poverty, conflict, and neglect. We must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions to ensure every child has access to education, nutrition, safety, and the digital tools necessary for their development.
“According to UNICEF, over 18 million children in Nigeria are currently out of school, with girls disproportionately affected by entrenched gender norms, economic hardship, and insecurity. The security situation, particularly in the northeast and northwest, is worsening.
“The continued presence of insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP has led to the displacement of thousands of families, leaving children vulnerable to violence, trauma, and disrupted learning.
Digital exclusion is another pressing barrier.”
The Country Director went on to say thag, only 36% of Nigerians currently have access to the internet, and an estimated 78% of youth lack the digital literacy needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
This, according to him, limits their access to quality education, opportunities for skill development, and future employability.
He further stated, that compounding these challenges is the harsh economic climate.
“Various economic reforms and inflationary pressures have pushed basic food prices beyond the reach of many families. As a result, 33 million Nigerians are projected to face acute food insecurity in 2025, with children bearing the brunt of the nutritional crisis.
“To truly unlock the potential of Nigerian children, we must go beyond policy on paper and confront the gaps in implementation.
“While education may legally be free under the Universal Basic Education framework, the reality is that millions of children—especially girls, displaced children, and those with disabilities—remain excluded due to insecurity, poverty, and lack of infrastructure.
He therefore urged, that policymakers, private sector actors, and development partners prioritise inclusive, quality education; expand social protection to tackle hunger and health gaps; strengthen community-based child protection systems; and invest in digital infrastructure and skills that will prepare our children to thrive in today’s world.
“As Nigeria marks Children’s Day, ActionAid Nigeria reiterates that investing in the well-being of every Nigerian child is not just a moral imperative; it is a strategic necessity for national development, peace, and prosperity.”
