As Nigeria marks Children’s Day, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has issued an appeal to the government over escalating crises of child malnutrition, street begging, and the neglected Almajiri system, demanding immediate intervention to safeguard the future of millions of vulnerable children.
The call was contained in a press release on Tuesday, in which CHRICED highlighted the grim realities faced by Nigerian children, particularly in the North, where malnutrition, exploitation, and systemic neglect continue to deprive them of basic rights.
The organisation called for concrete policy reforms, condemning empty rhetoric and temporary measures that fail to address root causes.
The body lamented that despite Nigeria’s commitments to child welfare, malnutrition remains a critical threat, with UNICEF reporting that 37% of under-five children suffer from stunting, while 18% are wasted. Over 11 million children face chronic food insecurity, exacerbated by inflation and economic instability. CHRICED urged sustained investment in nutrition programs, fortified food access, and social protection schemes to break the cycle of poverty and poor health.
The body expressed regret that the Almajiri system, once a revered Islamic learning tradition, has devolved into a conduit for child neglect and forced labour. Thousands of children—some as young as three—are sent to informal schools only to end up begging on streets, exposed to abuse and trafficking.
CHRICED criticised the government’s inconsistent responses, including sporadic evacuations by agencies like Hisbah, as inadequate and unsustainable.
“These children are victims of failed policies,” the statement read. “Nigeria must enforce the Child Rights Act and reform the Almajiri system to integrate formal education, vocational training, and proper welfare standards.”
Consequently, CHRICED outlined some reforms to address the menaces, among which are: Increased funding for nutrition and school meal programs under the National Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (NMPFAN) 2021–2025.
Total overhaul of the Almajiri system, ensuring regulated education centers with minimum living standards. Stronger enforcement of child protection laws, with legal consequences for violators. Community-led initiative involving traditional and religious leaders to advocate for child rights. Rehabilitation programs offering psychosocial support and skills training for street-connected children.
“Children are not burdens—they are Nigeria’s future,” CHRICED emphasised, urging all tiers of government to move beyond symbolic gestures. “This Children’s Day must mark a turning point where policies translate into tangible change.”
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