Chief Programmes Officer of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Mr Ayodeji Adelopo, has called for an urgent review of the Child Rights Act to ensure stronger protection of vulnerable children.
Adelopo made the appeal on the sidelines of a climate change media workshop organised by the organisation on Thursday in Lagos.
He said Nigeria must do more to safeguard children without parental care.
“A society’s morality is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members. We have much to do in ensuring that children without parental care are adequately cared for. This responsibility lies with all of us – governments, corporate bodies, civil society, and individuals. Central to this call is the urgent need to review Nigeria’s Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2003, the principal framework for child protection in the country,” Adelopo said.
According to him, since the enactment of the CRA more than 20 years ago, new realities such as insecurity, economic hardship, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation have emerged. He said a review of the Act alongside the Child Rights Laws in states would ensure Nigeria’s legal framework responds to current challenges and adequately protects vulnerable children.
“Protecting children without parental care is not just a legal obligation, it is a moral duty and a societal investment. By safeguarding their future, we safeguard the future of our nation,” he added.
Adelopo said children everywhere were vulnerable by nature, but those without parental care faced greater risks. He explained that a child lacks parental care when parents are absent or unable to provide adequate support, or lack the commitment to do so.
He warned that children without parental care were among the most vulnerable groups, and that failure to address their needs would not only jeopardise their future but also pose long-term risks for society.
“Every child has the right to protection, care and support – rights that must be upheld by parents, communities and governments,” he said.
(NAN)