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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that six out of every 10 Nigerian children experience some form of emotional, physical or sexual abuse before the age of 18, describing the situation as a major child protection crisis. Speaking at a mid-year review meeting with national security agencies and child protection stakeholders, UNICEF’s Chief of Child Protection, Natalie McCauley, said the figures underscore the urgent need for stronger measures to safeguard children across the country.
UNICEF also disclosed that only two in five Nigerian children under the age of five have their births registered, while two in five young women were married before turning 18, highlighting persistent challenges affecting children’s rights and welfare. The organisation called for greater collaboration among government institutions, security agencies and communities to strengthen child protection systems and improve reporting and response to abuse cases.
The agency urged authorities to prioritise child protection through stronger law enforcement, improved birth registration, expanded social services and sustained public awareness campaigns. UNICEF said protecting children from violence, exploitation and harmful practices is essential to securing their future and advancing Nigeria’s social and economic development.
