President Tinubu Pledges Bullying-Free Future for Nigerian Children on National Children’s Day

Abuja, Nigeria – On the occasion of the 2025 National Children’s Day, observed today, May 27th, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the Nigerian government’s unwavering commitment to protecting and nurturing the nation’s children. In a heartfelt message, the President emphasized the critical role children play as “the pride and future of our great nation,” reaffirming a “constitutional, moral, and intergenerational duty” to safeguard their rights and dreams.

This year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” resonated strongly in the President’s address. “Violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in the Nigeria of today,” President Tinubu declared, acknowledging the alarming global statistic that more than 1 in 3 children experience bullying regularly, with Nigerian studies estimating up to 65% of school-age children having faced some form of aggression. He stressed that “A child who learns in fear cannot learn well. A child who grows in fear cannot grow right.”

Under the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” child protection is a top priority. President Tinubu highlighted the recent launch of Nigeria’s National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030), a comprehensive roadmap designed to prevent abuse, prosecute perpetrators, and support victims, backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination. The government is also undertaking a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to strengthen provisions and ensure nationwide enforcement. The existing Cybercrime Act is being fully leveraged to combat cyberbullying, exploitation, and abuse.

ADVERTISEMENT

The President expressed satisfaction that all 36 states have now domesticated the Child Rights Act, reflecting a collective commitment to child welfare. However, he cautioned that laws alone are insufficient, calling for a “holistic approach where parents, teachers, caregivers, faith leaders, lawmakers, and citizens must take ownership.”

Further national systems for child protection are being scaled up, including the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), for real-time tracking and response to cases. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is actively strengthening community-based protection mechanisms, training frontline responders, and leading nationwide awareness campaigns to end harmful traditional practices.

In a move to strengthen existing efforts, the government is developing a robust institutional framework exclusively focused on Child Protection and Development. Proactive measures include the introduction of a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools and Guidelines for School Administrators. Social-emotional learning and child safeguarding are now embedded in teacher training. The National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children is creating inclusive pathways for all children to learn and thrive, regardless of their background.

Recognizing the importance of the care economy, the administration is expanding access to primary healthcare and upscaling dedicated Mother and Child Hospitals across all six geopolitical zones, ensuring integrated maternal and child services. Collaborative efforts with subnational governments aim to establish similar facilities nationwide.

To ensure children unable to remain in their biological homes receive adequate care, the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs has developed the National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children. These guidelines complement the recently launched National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (EVAC) and will strengthen overall child protection systems.

Child health and cognitive development are also being prioritized through the Nutrition 774 programme and the School Feeding Scheme. The Nutrition 774 project aims to combat hunger among Nigerian children, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrition for academic, creative, and overall health. A dedicated Department of Nutrition has been established within the Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs to enhance policy coherence and program delivery in child and maternal nutrition.
The government is also investing in social protection tools like the Universal Child Grant and is finalizing a national Child Wellbeing Index to measure progress and ensure accountability.

President Tinubu emphasized that children’s safety extends beyond government policies to community vigilance. He launched a nationwide “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign, urging every Nigerian to become a child protection champion.
Addressing the children directly, the President affirmed, “you matter. Your dreams matter. Your voices matter. No one has the right to hurt, silence, or diminish you. If you are bullied or harmed, speak up—you will be heard and protected.”

The President called on all partners and stakeholders to deepen their collective efforts, advocating for child rights to be embedded in all budgets, plans, and policies. He commended states already taking bold steps for child welfare and urged others to follow suit, declaring, “Our children are not just statistics—they are the heart of our nation.”

President Tinubu concluded his message by calling for a renewed movement to build a Nigeria where “no child suffers in silence, no child is left behind, and every child grows in dignity, peace, and love.” He extended his congratulations to all Nigerian children, wishing for their laughter to echo across the land as a “symbol of Renewed Hope and a prosperous future.”