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 the State Child Protection Committee to strengthen the protection of vulnerable children across the state.
The groups made the call in a joint statement, expressing concern over what they described as the continued delay in operationalising the committee despite growing child protection challenges in Kano.
According to the organisations, children in the state continue to face various forms of abuse and exploitation, including child labour, trafficking, neglect, violence, street begging and early marriage.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts toward child welfare and the development of child protection frameworks, the groups stressed the need for immediate action.
“We are concerned about the continued delay in operationalizing the Child Protection Committee. Children in Kano State face increasing challenges, including child abuse, neglect, exploitation, child labour, child trafficking, street begging, early marriage, violence, and other forms of vulnerability that require urgent and coordinated responses,” the statement said.
The organisations noted that resources should be directed toward strengthening child protection systems and providing support services for vulnerable children rather than allowing administrative delays to persist.
“At a time when thousands of children require immediate protection and support services, resources should be directed toward strengthening child protection systems, establishing functional referral mechanisms, supporting vulnerable families, and ensuring that relevant institutions are working together effectively. The focus should be on action rather than prolonged ceremonies and administrative delays,” they stated.
CELOHA Nigeria and WAN Network explained that the Child Protection Committee is expected to serve as a coordinating platform involving government ministries, security agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders, development partners and other stakeholders responsible for safeguarding children’s rights.
They warned that every day of delay exposes vulnerable children to greater risks.
“The Child Protection Committee is expected to serve as a critical 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. Every day of delay leaves vulnerable children at greater risk,” the statement added.
The groups urged the Kano State Government to immediately inaugurate and operationalise the committee, allocate adequate resources to child protection interventions, strengthen collaboration with civil society organisations, ensure effective implementation of existing child protection laws and establish monitoring and accountability mechanisms to address violations against children.
They further emphasized that the safety and well-being of children must remain a priority.
“Children represent the future of Kano State and Nigeria. Their safety, well-being, and development must remain a priority beyond policy discussions and ceremonial events. What vulnerable children need today is effective protection, timely intervention, and a functional system that responds to their needs,” the organisations said.
The groups reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government and other stakeholders in building a child protection system that guarantees the rights, dignity and future of every child in Kano State.
