Efforts to strengthen child protection and improve access to justice for abused children in Nigeria received a significant boost on Wednesday as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria (SOSCVN) and development partners, inaugurated the Child and Youth Ombudsman Office in Abuja.
The new office funded by the European Union (EU), is designed as a child-friendly platform to strengthen Nigeria’s child protection system by providing faster access to justice for children and young people affected by abuse, exploitation, trafficking and other forms of rights violations through child-friendly reporting and referral mechanisms.
The initiative, will safely report cases of abuse while ensuring prompt referrals, coordinated interventions and improved accountability among relevant institutions.
Speaking at the inauguration held at the NHRC headquarters in Abuja, the representative of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Mrs. Victoria Akoji Omale, said the initiative goes beyond establishing an office, as it focuses on building stronger systems capable of responding effectively to child protection concerns.
Omale said the partnership with the NHRC has also focused on building institutional capacity, strengthening referral systems, training duty bearers and providing the resources required to deliver quality, child-centred services.
She noted that effective child protection extends beyond laws and policies, stressing that strong institutions, accountable systems and accessible services are essential to ensuring children and families receive timely support.
According to her, the Child and Youth Helpline introduced alongside the Ombudsman Office will provide children and young people with a safe and confidential platform to report abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence and other rights violations without fear.
“Through our partnership with the National Human Rights Commission, we have invested not only in establishing this office but also in building institutional capacity, strengthening referral systems, training duty bearers, and providing the resources needed to deliver quality, child-centred services.
“The result is a stronger and more responsive child protection system where every child and young person has access to safe reporting mechanisms; where complaints are handled with dignity and professionalism; where referrals are effective; and where institutions are equipped to respond promptly and always in the best interests of the child.
“At SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, we believe that effective child protection goes beyond laws and policies. It requires strong institutions, accountable systems, and accessible services that children and families can rely on when they need them most.
“The Child and Youth Helpline represents exactly that. It strengthens Nigeria’s child protection system by providing a safe and accessible channel for children and young people to report abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, and other violations of their rights without fear,” she said.
She explained that the initiative is part of the European Union-funded Strengthening Child Care and Protection Systems in Nigeria Project, being implemented by SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria in partnership with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and the Jerry Law Foundation.
She disclosed that the Abuja inauguration marks the first phase of the project, adding that similar offices would be established in participating states in the coming weeks to bring child protection services closer to communities.
The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Chief Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu, described the inauguration as another milestone in strengthening access to justice for children and ensuring their voices are heard.
He said the initiative reflects the collective commitment of government and stakeholders to protecting the rights and dignity of every Nigerian child.
Ojukwu commended the European Union and other development partners for supporting the initiative, noting that the collaboration would further strengthen Nigeria’s child protection system.
He added that the Ombudsman Office would provide child-friendly reporting mechanisms for offences against children, support efforts to combat child trafficking and promote the implementation of the Child Rights Act and other international child rights instruments.
“The inauguration of this initiative reflects our collective commitment to ensuring that every child has access to justice, protection, and a platform where their voices can be heard.
“As we commemorate this occasion, we reaffirm the Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every Nigerian child.
“On behalf of the Commission, I sincerely appreciate the support of the European Union and all our partners for helping to make this vision a reality. This partnership strengthens our mission of building a more effective child protection system across the country,” he said.
Also speaking, Justice Peters Kekemeke of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory described the Child and Youth Ombudsman Office as an important innovation that would improve child protection and access to justice across Nigeria.
He recalled child abuse and trafficking cases he handled during his judicial career, noting that institutional gaps and inadequate coordination had prevented some victims from obtaining justice.
He said, “The second case involved two children who were abducted from outside their family home and became victims of child trafficking. Although law enforcement agencies successfully recovered the children and arrested the suspects, the judicial process did not deliver the expected outcome.
“Even more troubling was the prolonged separation of one of the children from his mother. For several years, the mother repeatedly appealed for the opportunity to reunite with her son but was unable to do so. The child’s right to family reunification, which is recognised under the Child Rights Act, was not fully realised.”
He said the experiences underscored the enormous responsibility now placed on the Child and Youth Ombudsman Office to ensure that children’s complaints are promptly addressed and that institutional shortcomings do not stand in the way of justice.
“These experiences demonstrate the enormous responsibility placed on the Child and Youth Ombudsman Office. The rights of children are clearly protected under the Child Rights Act 2003 and other relevant laws. However, those rights must be effectively implemented and enforced.
“This office must ensure that children’s complaints are heard promptly, that institutions remain accountable, and that no child is denied justice or protection because of administrative delays, lack of coordination, or inadequate funding,” he stated.
Kekemeke urged government, development partners and civil society organisations to provide sustained financial and institutional support to ensure the success of the initiative.
“I therefore appeal to government, development partners, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to provide the financial and institutional support required for this initiative to succeed. With sustained commitment and collaboration, the Child and Youth Ombudsman Office can become a strong platform for protecting the rights, welfare, and dignity of every child in Nigeria,” he said.
The representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Principal State Counsel Ememobong Edeabasi Sunday, also described the inauguration as a significant step towards strengthening the protection, participation and promotion of the rights of children and young people in Nigeria.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with relevant institutions and partners to improve access to justice and safeguard the rights and welfare of children across the country.
“This marks a significant step towards strengthening the protection, participation, and promotion of the rights of every child and young person in Nigeria.
“As stakeholders, we recognise that children and young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow but also citizens of today. They deserve to be heard, protected, and given every opportunity to thrive.
“The Federal Ministry of Justice remains committed to working with all partners to ensure that justice is accessible to every child and that the rights and welfare of children across Nigeria are effectively safeguarded.
“We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the National Child Rights Office in fulfilling its mandate,” she said.