UNICEF, NGE declare national emergency over Nigeria’s child welfare crisis

UNICEF and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have declared Nigeria’s deteriorating child welfare situation a national emergency, warning Tuesday that millions of children face worsening access to water, education, healthcare, and protection.

At a World Children’s Day symposium in Abuja, stakeholders from government, media, and civil society urged urgent reforms as insecurity and failing social services deepen the crisis.

NGE President Eze Anaba said children are now the primary victims of violence and mass school attacks, noting Nigeria holds the world’s highest number of out-of-school children.

UNICEF’s Wafa Saeed said millions remain unvaccinated, malnourished, and unable to read by age 10, calling for accelerated implementation of the Safe School Declaration.

UNICEF officials also highlighted stark regional disparities, such as safe water coverage of 90% in Lagos compared to 3% in Kebbi.

Government representatives outlined ongoing programmes targeting out-of-school children and announced a forthcoming National Menstrual Health Policy.

Media leaders and development partners stressed the need for stronger accountability and child-focused reporting.

UNICEF youth advocate Tinafi Akau urged investment in technology, including AI early-warning systems to prevent kidnappings and digital training for vulnerable children.

Stakeholders agreed that protecting Nigerian children demands coordinated action across all levels of government, development partners, and the media.