The Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid Initiative (CELOHA Nigeria) and the West Africa Network for Child Protection (WAN Network) have called on the Kano State Government to immediately inaugurate and operationalize the State Child Protection Committee to strengthen the protection of vulnerable children across the state.
In a joint statement, the organizations acknowledged the government’s commitment to child welfare and its efforts toward developing child protection frameworks.
However, they expressed concern over the continued delay in activating the Child Protection Committee, describing it as a critical mechanism for addressing growing threats facing children.
According to the groups, children in Kano State continue to face numerous challenges, including abuse, neglect, exploitation, child labour, trafficking, street begging, early marriage, violence, and other forms of vulnerability that require urgent and coordinated intervention.
The organizations stressed that at a time when thousands of children require immediate protection and support services, government attention and resources should be directed toward strengthening child protection systems, establishing functional referral mechanisms, supporting vulnerable families, and enhancing collaboration among relevant institutions.
They noted that the proposed Child Protection Committee is expected to serve as a key platform for coordination among government ministries, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, community leaders, development partners, and other stakeholders responsible for safeguarding children’s rights.
The groups warned that every day of delay in inaugurating the committee exposes vulnerable children to greater risks and undermines efforts to provide timely protection and support.
CELOHA Nigeria and WAN Network urged the Kano State Government to immediately inaugurate and operationalize the committee, allocate adequate resources for child protection interventions, strengthen collaboration with civil society and community-based organizations, ensure effective implementation of existing child protection laws and policies, and establish regular monitoring and accountability mechanisms to address violations against children.
They emphasized that children represent the future of Kano State and Nigeria, adding that their safety, well-being, and development must remain a priority beyond policy discussions and ceremonial events.
The organizations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Kano State Government and other stakeholders in building a child protection system that guarantees the rights, dignity, and future of every child.
