By Emmanuella Oghenetega
To create enabling evidence-based decision for better child welfare, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has inaugurated a child protection policy and information centre.
The objective for the creation of this centre, is to aid accurate data collection, research and, enable the creation, implementation and monitoring of strategies to shield children from harm.
In her address at the Inauguration, which took place yesterday at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, stated that the centre’s establishment was a testament to the shared commitment to evidence-based policy and action.
“For too long, child protection data in Nigeria has been fragmented, making it difficult to track progress, identify gaps, and respond effectively to the needs of our most vulnerable children. With this Centre, we are taking a bold step toward consolidating and enhancing access to reliable, real-time data and research.
“This Centre will serve as a digital hub, bringing together child protection indicators, research, and best practices from across the country. It will empower policymakers, practitioners, and partners with the tools needed to make informed decisions, strengthen advocacy, and improve programmatic interventions.
“The integration of advanced analytics, dashboards, and a knowledge repository will ensure that our responses are timely, targeted, and impactful.” She said
She expressed her appreciation to the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian children. She appreciated also, UNICEF and partners for their support in making the vision a reality. .
In her remarks, Wafaa Saeed, the Country Director UNICEF Representative to Nigeria, stated that the launch of the Child Protection Policy and Information
Centre, was a milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing journey to safeguard the rights and well-being of every child and family.
She said, “Let me begin by acknowledging the collective commitment that has brought us to this moment. Despite the progress made, the challenges before us remain stark. Far too many children in Nigeria continue to face violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey is sobering: 30% of women aged 20-24 were married before age 18, 15% of women aged 15-49 have undergone female genital mutilation
6 out of 10 children aged 1-14 have experienced physical punishment 1 in 4 girls has suffered sexual violence before age 18.
“These are not just statistics, they are a call to action.
“Against this backdrop, the need for reliable, consolidated, and real-time data on child
protection has never been more urgent. Data is not just numbers, it is the foundation for sound policy, effective advocacy, and impactful programmes. The Centre we inaugurate today is a visionary response to these challenges. It will serve as a central hub, consolidating child
protection indicators, research, and data-driven insights. Through real-time dashboards, predictive analytics, and geospatial analysis, the Centre will enmpower policymakers and practitioners to make informed decisions that truly benefit children.
“This Centre is more than a data repository. It is a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, a space where government, NGOs, research institutions, and other stakeholders can come together to exchange best practices, research, and innovations. Through its research
repository, discussion forums, and training modules, the Centre will strengthen the capacity of child protection actors across Nigeria. It will also serve as a catalytic hub, guiding policy formulation and programme implementation for state ministries.
“UNICEF is proud to support this initiative, both technically and financially, and to serve on the Centre’s Advisory Committee. Our belief is simple: when we work together, we can achieve improved access to child protection data, strengthen evidence-based decision-making and ensure more accurate reporting and monitoring of child protection efforts.” She said.
She therefore urged stakeholders to actively use the Centre’s resources, contribute data and research, and engage in the communities of practice it will foster. Let us seize this opportunity to ensure that every child in Nigeria is protected, safe, and able to thrive.
