The House of Representatives has passed a significant legislative step in child protection with the passage of a bill to establish a dedicated Child’s Rights and Welfare Commission through its second reading.
The proposed Commission bill brought by Hon. (Barr.) Okey-Joe Onuakalusi of the Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency in Lagos State, aims to create a robust framework for implementing the Child Rights Act across Nigeria, ensuring the safety and welfare of children nationwide.
Presenting the bill on Thursday in the green chamber, Hon. Onuakalusi stressed the urgency of a distinct body dedicated to the oversight and enforcement of child rights legislation.
He emphasized that the Commission, once established, would play a pivotal role in rehabilitating children affected by abuse and would regulate organizations managing children’s welfare, including orphanages and homes for motherless babies.
“This Commission is designed to fill gaps left by the Child Rights Act. While the Act focuses on a child’s right to protection and care, the Commission will address critical issues of abuse, such as child trafficking, illegal orphanages, and baby factories,” Onuakalusi explained.
He also clarified, “This bill, with 20 key sections, introduces clear roles, from establishing a governing council to overseeing investigation and monitoring departments that will serve as the Commission’s “eyes” on the ground. These sections also set provisions for identifying offenses and ensuring that penalties are enforced to deter child exploitation”
Lawmakers across party lines, including Reps. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje (PDP–Abia), Robinson Uwak (PDP–Akwa Ibom), and Emmanuel Jime (APC–Benue), lent strong support to the bill.
They emphasized the importance of creating an agency that can respond decisively to the challenges faced by vulnerable children, stressing that safeguarding children’s rights is a national responsibility that demands urgent and effective action.
With unanimous support from the Lawmakers, the bill moves closer to establishing a legal framework that not only protects children’s rights but also strengthens Nigeria’s response to child-related offenses.
(Independent)
