Over 240 Million Children experience violence: Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire Ministers talk tough on ending violence against Children in Africa

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, in her welcome address at the opening session of the two-day ministerial-level meeting of the first regional gathering of Pathfinding Countries under the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children, stated that violence against children in Africa is unacceptable.

The regional meeting, held from May 7 to May 8, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, brought together ministers and representatives from various African countries committed to ending violence against children.

“It is with great honour and pleasure that I welcome you to this important regional meeting of African Pathfinding Countries under the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children. On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, I extend a heartfelt welcome to our distinguished participants — government officials, civil society members, development partners, faith-based leaders, community representatives, and representatives of children — all gathered with the shared goal of promoting the protection and well-being of every child in Africa,” said the Honourable Minister.

“We are pleased to host this gathering, the first of its kind in the region, which provides a vital platform for reflection, experience sharing, solution identification, and strengthening our collective determination to eliminate violence against our children,” she added.

The Minister further stated, “Your presence here underscores a shared recognition across the continent that violence against children is unacceptable. Together, we can put an end to it.”

She emphasized that the discussions over the next two days would focus on the progress made by individual countries, the challenges still faced, and innovative solutions across the region. “We will exchange ideas, strategize, and, most importantly, renew our commitment to prioritizing children in policies and programs,” she noted.

The Minister expressed appreciation to the Pathfinding initiative and all development partners, especially UNICEF, for their continued support. She highlighted the remarkable efforts being made in each member country and stressed the importance of collective responsibility.

“As we begin this dialogue, let us remember that behind every child lies hope, dreams, and potential. It is our moral and collective duty to ensure that no child lives in fear, no child is left behind, and every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment,” she urged.

She affirmed Nigeria’s commitment as a Pathfinding country, recalling the Ministerial Conference held in Gbokata, Colombia, in November 2024, where Nigeria pledged to provide comprehensive support services to two million children at risk of violence, abuse, and exploitation by 2030.

The Minister also mentioned Nigeria’s target to eliminate harmful practices in at least 18 states by 2028, and the ongoing review and enforcement of the Child Rights Act of 2003 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 to strengthen protection systems.

She stressed that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, these commitments are backed by tangible actions, including reforms to legal frameworks, enhanced social services, evidence-based parenting interventions, expansion of safe school programs, and increased budget allocations for child protection systems.

“We are building a more accountable, inclusive, and data-driven foundation for action,” she concluded.

In her closing remarks, the Minister said: “Your Excellencies, I believe we all agree that, despite the progress made, our work is far from over. Across Africa, millions of children still face abuse, exploitation, neglect, trafficking, early marriage, and other serious violations that rob them of dignity and derail their futures.”

“I urge you, therefore, to ensure that this meeting serves as a renewed call to action — to move beyond pledges and elegant venues to measurable, time-bound outcomes. Let us anchor our work on the simple truth that every child matters and has the right to grow free from violence, fear, and harm. Let us honour this right through the systems we build, the laws we enforce, and the budgets we allocate. Once again, I welcome you to Abuja, and I pray that our conversations over the next few days will lead to solid commitments, innovative solutions, and tangible impact for the children of Africa.”

Standard-Times Nigeria reports that a United Nations representative addressed the gathering virtually, thanking African nations for the invitation and highlighting her inability to attend in person due to the conflict in Sierra Leone.

She remarked, “Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, warm greetings to you all. I sincerely thank you for inviting me to this regional meeting of Africa’s Pathfinding Countries on Ending Violence Against Children. I extend my heartfelt apologies for not being with you physically. Due to the conflict in Sierra Leone, I could only join virtually. I commend the Federal Government of Nigeria and the organizers for convening this significant meeting following the successful Global Conference in Gbokata, Colombia, in November 2024.”

She added, “Your Excellencies, across our continent, we face multiple challenges concerning violence against children, which require urgent and collective action.”

“The African Union is committed to promoting policies, strengthening institutions, and mobilizing resources to ensure that no child, especially in Africa, is left behind,” she stated.

“This meeting stands as a testament to our united resolve to end violence against children. Every child deserves to grow up free from fear, harm, and exploitation. Sadly, many still face unacceptable levels of violence,” she emphasized.

“Let this meeting not just be another gathering, but a turning point — a moment where commitment meets innovation, where partnership leads to impact, and where every African child is given the safety, dignity, and opportunity they deserve,” she concluded.

Responding to journalists, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, stressed the urgent need to end child labour and all forms of violence against children. She cited the ratification of relevant treaties by Nigeria in Geneva as a crucial step forward.

“It’s simple — this is evil. No child should be subjected to any form of violence,” she declared.

In a joint press interaction, Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs and her counterparts from Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire echoed a unified commitment to child protection.

H.E. Dr. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Sierra Leone, said, “African Pathfinding countries coming together means we learn from one another. We’re sharing experiences and creating a powerful force to effect the change we want. Nigeria has shown leadership, and we in Sierra Leone are learning from that.”

“We will not rest until every child in Africa is free from violence,” she vowed.

Minister for Women, Family and Children of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Nasseneda Touré, noted that children across Africa face similar challenges regarding violence. “We are proud to be a Pathfinding country and to learn from Nigeria’s approach — starting with legislative and institutional reforms. That’s where real change begins,” she said.

UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, praised Nigeria’s efforts and said, “Africa is a young continent. Children should be seen as assets to invest in, not problems to manage.”

The first regional meeting of Pathfinding Countries under the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children in Africa aims to address the plight of over 240 million African children currently experiencing violence, while also evaluating the economic benefits of raising safe and empowered children on the continent.