The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has lauded the Kebbi State Government for passing the Child Protection Bill, describing it as a major step toward safeguarding children’s rights.
The organisation said the bill would help free children in detention, ease the rigors of legal proceedings for minors, and facilitate their reintegration into society.
Chief Field Officer of UNICEF’s Sokoto Office, Michael Juma, made the commendation during the 2025 End-of-Year Review Meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, organized with the Kebbi State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.
Juma affirmed UNICEF’s support for establishing Family Courts to accelerate justice delivery in rural areas and stressed the need for accurate data on children to guide policymaking and budgeting.
READ ALSO: UNICEF, FG Train Journalists On Ethical Reporting Of Children Rights
“On the establishment of Family Courts, I have spoken with the Commissioner of Justice, and UNICEF is fully ready to support this initiative,” Juma said. “These courts ensure quick access to justice, particularly at the grassroots level.”
He also reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to collaborating with the state on poverty surveys, social protection, and nutrition programs, commending Kebbi for releasing ₦500 million as counterpart funding for nutrition interventions.
However, Juma called for intensified efforts to reduce out-of-school children, prevent cholera outbreaks, and implement the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program, urging more Local Government Areas to join initiatives against open defecation.
Professor Suleiman Khalid, Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), cautioned that programs should respect cultural, religious, and traditional values.
He attributed the prevalence of out-of-school and Almajiri children to social and ecological factors, emphasizing community engagement to ensure school enrollment.
The meeting also reviewed 2025 departmental reports on nutrition, social policy, social and behavioural change, education, and WASH.
