EU, SOS Children’s Villages, and partners launch €5m child protection project in Abuja to improve lives of over 1 million children.
The European Union has launched an initiative titled “Strengthening Child Care and Protection Systems in Nigeria.” to combat child rights violations and strengthen protection systems for Nigeria’s most vulnerable children,
The project, unveiled at a high-level stakeholder event in Abuja, is set to impact over one million children and families across Borno, Edo, and Plateau States, as well as at the national level. The programme will run for three years, led by SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria in partnership with CISLAC (Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre) and the Jireh Doo Foundation.
Speaking at the event, Eghosa Erhumwunse, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria said, “This programme is a structured and intentional response to restore dignity, safety, and hope to Nigerian children,”
According to Erhumwunse, the initiative will directly support:
- 13,500 vulnerable children (equally girls and boys),
- 900 caregivers,
- 240 child protection professionals,
- 72 government agencies, and
- 74 civil society organisations.
he further explained that the programme plans to engage 150 public school teachers, 300 key community stakeholders, and 60 media outlets to drive awareness, implementation, and accountability.
Child Rights Act
Despite the domestication of the Child Rights Act in several Nigerian states, implementation challenges persist, leaving millions of children at risk of abuse, trafficking, neglect, and harmful cultural practices.
On his part, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, stressed that “Nigeria is home to over 100 million children, nearly double the population from a few decades ago, Some states have passed child protection laws, but gaps remain between legislation and impact. This initiative is designed to bridge that divide.”
De Luca emphasised the EU’s unwavering commitment to human rights and the rule of law, stressing that rights must be more than symbolic and they must be “guaranteed through structured access.”
“This is not merely a gesture. It’s about upholding the rights of all children, particularly those with disabilities. The involvement of every stakeholder is critical. And we must recognise the vital role women play in child protection,” he added.
Rising Child Vulnerabilities
The event included a panel discussion featuring experts and rights advocates who highlighted the urgent need for systemic reform in Nigeria’s child welfare ecosystem.
Speakers called for stronger inter-agency collaboration, better judicial systems for handling child abuse cases, and community-led solutions tailored to local realities. “Although the Child Rights Act has been adopted in many states, we still see a wide gap between policy and practice. This project is our response, designed with intentionality, structure, and inclusivity.” said Erhumwunse.
Policy Weaknesses
In his remarks, Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, pointed to uncontrolled childbearing and systemic poverty as key drivers of exploitation and child rights violations.
“This initiative comes at a time when children are being denied their rights in the face of increasing vulnerabilities. It’s timely and essential,” Rafsanjani said.
Also Speaking Paul Yongu, a trustee of the Jireh Doo Foundation, echoed the call for comprehensive legislative reforms and stakeholder support.
“We must strengthen legal and policy frameworks if we are to ensure that no child is left behind, especially in conflict-affected and rural communities,” Yongu stated.
A Model for Rights-Based Development
Beyond policy and service delivery, the EU-backed initiative aims to reinvigorate interest in the Convention on the Rights of the Child while promoting community resilience, inclusivity, and institutional accountability.
The EU is also collaborating with Nigeria’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to bolster social protection registers and funding mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability.
“This programme is not just about numbers. It’s about building a future where every Nigerian child is safe, valued, and empowered,” De Luca concluded.
About the Author
