The Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid Initiative (CELOHA Nigeria), in collaboration with the West Africa Network for Child Protection (WAN), has called on the Kano State Government to urgently inaugurate the Child Protection Steering Committee, warning that continued delay is exposing thousands of children to serious risks.
The organisations raised the alarm in a statement issued on Friday in Kano, noting that the absence of the coordination body has created significant gaps in the state’s child protection system.
They warned that vulnerable children are increasingly exposed to trafficking, child labour, street begging, sexual exploitation, abuse, neglect, and early and forced marriage, as well as unsafe migration.
According to the groups, the failure to inaugurate the committee has weakened response mechanisms across key sectors.
“Response to child protection cases remains fragmented and uncoordinated. Critical cases of abuse and exploitation are delayed or go unreported,” the statement said.
It added that survivors are often left without timely access to care, rehabilitation, and reintegration services, while enforcement of existing laws remains weak.
“There is weak enforcement of existing child protection laws and policies. Data collection and evidence-based planning remain inadequate, while community-level prevention mechanisms are poorly aligned and under-resourced,” it further stated.
The organisations stressed that a fully functional Child Protection Steering Committee is essential for coordinating multi-sectoral responses among government agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners.
They also said it would strengthen policy implementation, improve accountability, and ensure timely responses to violations affecting children.
CELOHA Nigeria and WAN maintained that Kano State, given its population and strategic importance, requires a strong and coordinated child protection system to address growing challenges affecting children and young people.
While commending the state government for existing efforts in child protection, the groups said the delay in inaugurating the committee is undermining progress already made.
“We therefore call on the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities, relevant government agencies, and development partners to urgently prioritize and fast-track the inauguration of the Child Protection Steering Committee in the best interest of every child in Kano State,” the statement added.
The organisations warned that further delay would continue to put children at risk.
“Every day of delay exposes more children to harm. The time to act is now. Children cannot wait. Their protection must be immediate, coordinated, and sustained,” it concluded.
