UNICEF Applauds Kebbi State for Passing Child Protection Bill

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has praised the Kebbi State Government for enacting the Child Protection Bill, calling it a significant step in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children across the state.

Chief UNICEF Field Officer for Sokoto, Mr. Michael Juma, made the commendation during the 2025 End-of-Year Review Meeting in Birnin Kebbi, organized in collaboration with the Kebbi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Juma highlighted that the bill would protect vulnerable children, facilitate their reintegration into society, and ensure justice for minors who come into conflict with the law. “The Child Protection Bill is a major step forward for Kebbi State. It will help free children held in detention, reduce the harsh procedures minors face in trials, and create avenues for them to rebuild their lives,” he said.

He revealed that UNICEF had already begun discussions with the State Ministry of Justice on establishing Family Courts to expedite cases involving children. “Family Courts provide quick access to justice, especially at the grassroots level, and UNICEF is fully prepared to support this initiative,” Juma added.

The UNICEF official also stressed the importance of accurate data on children, noting that reliable statistics are crucial for effective planning, budgeting, and policymaking in education, health, and social sectors. He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to collaborate with Kebbi State on poverty surveys, social protection programs, and nutrition interventions.

Juma commended the state government for releasing N500 million as counterpart funding for nutrition programs, describing it as a demonstration of political will to improve child health and welfare. He, however, urged intensified efforts to address the rising number of out-of-school children, prevent cholera outbreaks, and strengthen the state’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs. He also encouraged more Local Government Areas to emulate Arewa and Maiyama LGAs in the campaign against open defecation.

In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board, Professor Suleiman Khalid, stressed that development initiatives should align with local cultural, traditional, and religious values. He attributed the prevalence of out-of-school and Almajiri children to both social and ecological factors, emphasizing the need for community-driven solutions. “During the dry season, many of these children are on the streets while adults migrate southward for work,” Khalid noted.

He advised that enforcement of the new child protection laws should be handled with sensitivity and dialogue to ensure acceptance and sustainability. The meeting also featured presentations from various departments on key development sectors, including nutrition, education, WASH, social policy, and behavioral change communication.