Abuja: The Federal Government is set to review its adoption regulations to strengthen the adoption process and prevent violence and other forms of abuse against children. Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, announced this initiative at a news conference organized in collaboration with Save the Children International (SCI) for Children's Day celebration, in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that the move aims to ensure children's rights and welfare are protected, and that adoption procedures are transparent, efficient, and child-centred. She added that plans are underway to roll out revised National Creche Guidelines to regulate and prevent abuse in childcare facilities. The government is establishing the Child Protection Knowledge and Data Centre and is finalizing the Child Protection Services structure, focusing on formal protection, reporting, response, and rehabilitation.
The Minister also highlighted the promotion of a six-month maternity leave for new mothers and a two-week paternity leave for new fathers as part of the government's efforts. The review of adoption regulations aims to strengthen processes that prevent abuse in adoption practices. Furthermore, the government is working to reinforce the Nigerian Children's Parliament at both national and state levels, recognizing it as a crucial platform for child participation, leadership, and advocacy on development issues.
Duncan Harvey, Country Director of SCI, emphasized the importance of including children in identifying challenges affecting them and proposing solutions. He highlighted the necessity of supporting child-led platforms, peer support groups, safe spaces, and school clubs that encourage children to speak up and support one another. Harvey advocated for involving children in developing school rules and anti-bullying policies, incorporating empathy, respect, and conflict resolution into the children's syllabus, and engaging them in feedback sessions and policy reviews to shape school culture and anti-bullying measures.