The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to child inclusion, education, and welfare as Nigeria marked the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration in Abuja, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented at the event by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
Delivering the President’s message themed “Future Now: Promoting Inclusion for Every Nigerian Child,” the Minister said Nigerian children represent the nation’s most valuable asset and must be fully included in all aspects of national development, regardless of their background, location, or physical condition.
She emphasized that inclusion is not optional but central to Nigeria’s future, noting that children in rural communities, urban centres, internally displaced camps, and those living with disabilities must have equal access to education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection.
The presidential message highlighted ongoing social investment programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including strengthened primary healthcare systems, expanded maternal and child nutrition services, and nationwide interventions through ANRiN 2.0 and the Nutrition 774 Initiative, designed to reach communities across all 774 local government areas.
It also pointed to education and youth development reforms such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), aimed at removing financial barriers to tertiary education, and the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), designed to support entrepreneurship and skills development among young Nigerians.
Digital education reforms through the Ministry of Education’s NEDI platform were also highlighted as part of efforts to modernise learning and prepare children for a technology-driven future.
The message further noted that government is currently reviewing the Child Rights Act (2003) and the National Child Policy to strengthen child protection systems and respond to emerging challenges affecting children.
It added that a new implementation framework is being rolled out to address violence against children, child marriage, female genital mutilation, and gaps in alternative care systems, marking a shift toward more proactive child protection measures.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration under Nyesom Wike, represented by Hajiya Asmau Mukhtar, the Permanent Secretary and Acting Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, was also acknowledged for its support in strengthening child-focused programmes in Abuja.
A key moment of the celebration came from a children’s representative, Jessica Nufi who appreciated government efforts but raised concerns about persistent challenges affecting Nigerian children.
She noted that millions of children remain out of school due to poverty and rising education costs, while children with disabilities continue to face barriers to inclusive education and equal opportunities.
She also highlighted insecurity as a major concern, stating that conflict and violence have disrupted schooling, displaced families, and created unsafe learning environments in several parts of the country.
Despite these challenges, she called for urgent and sustained action, urging government and stakeholders to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, safety, and dignity.
The presidential message urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, and communities to play active roles in shaping children’s moral upbringing, while advising young Nigerians to avoid crime, drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, and other destructive behaviours.
Children were encouraged to remain focused on education, discipline, and positive values, with assurances that government remains committed to building an inclusive system where every child can thrive.
The 2026 National Children’s Day celebration concluded with renewed commitments to place children at the centre of Nigeria’s development agenda.