Pediatric health experts, under the umbrella of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), have voiced concern over the arraignment of 32 minors before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The children, aged between 12 and 15, were detained after participating in protests against poor governance in August. Health professionals are calling for swift action by both the federal and state governments to implement the Child Rights Act, aimed at protecting the rights and dignity of every child in Nigeria.
Recently, 75 young protesters, including these minors, were brought before the Federal High Court on various charges, including terrorism and alleged mutiny. Disturbing images of these children—unwell, visibly malnourished, and fainting in court—circulated widely, sparking outrage and calls for government accountability.
Professor Ekanem Ekure, PAN president, and Dr. Chika Duru, the association’s secretary, issued a statement expressing deep concern about the deteriorating welfare of children in Nigeria, as evidenced by the poor physical condition of the minors in court. According to Professor Ekure, the troubling state of these children highlights a growing humanitarian crisis among Nigerian youth, exacerbated by the country’s economic challenges and social issues.
She stated, “The survival of Nigerian children is at risk due to economic hardships and rising food insecurity. Children, who should receive priority in such situations, are unfortunately the most affected.”
The PAN president noted that one in three Nigerian children is reportedly out of school, a crisis that could pose long-term risks to national stability. She also highlighted that worsening economic conditions, including the steep cost of living and dwindling family finances, are reversing progress in child health and nutrition. Statistics indicate that 38% of children under five in Nigeria suffer from stunted growth, 18% are classified as wasted, and 22% are underweight, underscoring the severe impact of food insecurity on child development.
Professor Ekure further emphasized that the Child Rights Act, adopted in 2003 and domesticated by all Nigerian states, is designed to secure children’s rights, including access to education, adequate nutrition, and freedom from unlawful detention. However, she lamented that poor implementation of the act has left many children vulnerable to exploitation, detention, and neglect.
“Despite the widespread domestication of the Child Rights Act, its enforcement has been inadequate, exposing Nigerian children to exploitation and deprivation,” Ekure said. She urged the government to strengthen its commitment to the act’s enforcement and address the socio-cultural factors contributing to the crisis of out-of-school children.
The Child Rights Act is aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a globally recognized treaty that guarantees children’s rights to survival, development, protection, and participation. The act, which comprises 278 sections, covers areas such as health services, prohibition of child marriage, and state roles in protecting these rights. Yet, despite widespread domestication, gaps in its implementation persist across Nigeria.
Professor Ekure called on security agencies to uphold children’s rights, emphasizing that any detention of minors must prioritize their dignity, well-being, and access to basic services. She also stressed that parents play a critical role in safeguarding their children.
She added, “The Child Rights Act gives Nigerian children the right to dignity, health, education, freedom of movement, and parental care. Detaining children against their will violates these fundamental rights.”
PAN also proposed a multi-faceted approach to mitigate food insecurity and address the issue of out-of-school children, recommending strengthened agricultural initiatives to boost food production and policies to reduce barriers to education.
“The distressing sight of malnourished children in court underscores the urgent need to implement the Child Rights Act fully. Government intervention must focus on reducing food insecurity and ensuring that children across the nation have access to essential services and opportunities,” Ekure concluded.
The recent protests, held from August 1 to 10, were fueled by calls for economic reforms, reduced governance costs, and food security. Unfortunately, some protests escalated to violence, leading to looting and vandalism. The detained minors were among those arrested across Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano.
In viral video clips from the court, the children appeared dehydrated and frail, scrambling for food and water. Disturbingly, several of the children collapsed during proceedings, necessitating an abrupt halt as medical help was sought. This event has reignited calls for immediate action to protect Nigerian children’s rights and welfare.
PAN’s appeal to the Nigerian government is a clarion call for enforcing the Child Rights Act, thereby ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children, especially in times of economic and social turmoil.
