The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lauded the Kebbi State Government for the enactment of the Child Protection Bill, describing it as a significant milestone in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in the state.
Mr Michael Juma, Chief UNICEF Field Officer for Sokoto, made the commendation during the 2025 End-of-Year Review Meeting held in Birnin Kebbi. The meeting was organised in collaboration with the Kebbi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Juma highlighted that the passage of the bill would significantly protect vulnerable children, aid their reintegration into society, and ensure justice for minors who come into conflict with the law.
“The Child Protection Bill represents a major step forward for Kebbi State. It will facilitate the release of children held in detention, reduce the harsh procedures minors face during trials, and create opportunities for them to rebuild their lives,” he stated.
He further revealed that UNICEF had commenced discussions with the State Ministry of Justice regarding the establishment of Family Courts to expedite the handling of cases involving children.
“Regarding the establishment of Family Courts, I have engaged with the Commissioner of Justice, and UNICEF is fully prepared to support this initiative. We promote such courts globally because they ensure swift access to justice, particularly at the grassroots level,” Juma added.
The UNICEF official also stressed the importance of accurate data collection on children, noting that reliable statistics are crucial for effective planning, budgeting, and policymaking across education, health, and social sectors.
He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to continue partnering with the Kebbi State Government on initiatives such as poverty surveys, social protection programmes, and nutrition interventions.
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