World Children’s Day 2025: UNICEF Warns Two-Thirds of Nigerian Children Face Poverty, Violence
World Children’s Day 2025, a day meant for celebration, became a sobering light on the realities facing millions of Nigerian children.
As leaders, development partners, civil society groups, and young voices gathered in Abuja, a new UNICEF-backed report revealed a stark truth: the future of the Nigerian child is under threat unless urgent action is taken.
The Nigerian Child 2025 Report, launched on Wednesday, shows that two out of three Nigerian children live in multidimensional poverty, deprived of safe learning environments, clean water, adequate nutrition, healthcare, and protection.
The findings further indicate that over half have faced some form of violence, while two in five girls are married before 18, derailing their potential long before adulthood.
UN Resident Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, said the day was a reminder of the “realities that lie ahead” for children navigating insecurity, poverty, poor health outcomes, and barriers to education.
He stressed that creating a peaceful and transformative learning environment requires urgent collective action and strict adherence to the Safe Schools Declaration.
UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, acknowledged the gravity of the challenges but noted the progress made over the years.
She highlighted a 40% reduction in under-five mortality since 1990, improved access to clean water, and increased school enrolment, gains she credited to sustained collaboration.
She, however, urged renewed and strengthened commitments to secure sustainable improvements.
Reflecting on the recent school abduction in Kebbi, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, assured that the federal government is bolstering security investments, promoting inclusion, and expanding child-focused development efforts to guarantee safer learning spaces.
Children from various FCT schools also took the stage, using debates to demand equal opportunities and inclusive policies to dismantle systemic inequality.
Their message was clear: every Nigerian child deserves the chance to dream, learn, and thrive.
As stakeholders marked this global day, one sentiment echoed through the room—children are not just tomorrow’s leaders; they are today’s priority.
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