UNICEF Urges Nigerian Government To Prioritise Children In National Development Plans.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Nigerian government at all levels to place children’s well-being at the heart of national development strategies, emphasising their critical role in the country’s future. The appeal was made during a valedictory reception for UNICEF’s outgoing Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
The event, themed “The Nigerian Child, UNICEF 2024 Annual Report, and the Nigerian Media,” was organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Diamond Awards. Munduate underscored Nigeria’s unique position as one of Africa’s largest and youngest nations, urging policymakers to seize the opportunity for transformative change. “As a nation with a vibrant youth population, Nigeria must prioritise children’s rights and well-being to unlock its full potential,” she said, highlighting significant strides made in 2024.
UNICEF’s 2024 achievements, in collaboration with the Nigerian government, development partners, and civil society, were a focal point of the event. Notably, 10.1 million children under five received birth certificates, a critical step in ensuring access to education and healthcare. Additionally, UNICEF supported the procurement of life-saving vaccines for over 59 million children and adolescents, contributing to a decline in preventable diseases. In northern Nigeria, nearly one million severely malnourished children received vital treatment, showcasing the power of collective action.
Munduate praised the government’s commitment but stressed that challenges persist. “Despite progress, millions of children remain out of school, and poverty and malnutrition continue to rise,” she noted, calling for increased budgetary allocations to address these gaps. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with users commending UNICEF’s efforts while urging stronger government action to tackle out-of-school rates and child welfare issues.
The event also highlighted ongoing challenges in Kaduna State, where nearly 30% of primary school-age children and over 50% of secondary school-age children are out of school, alongside low birth registration and severe multidimensional poverty. Dr Gerida Birukila, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, reiterated the need for child-friendly budgeting and accountability frameworks to monitor investments in children’s welfare.
Munduate’s tenure, which began in 2022, was lauded for its focus on education, health, and child protection. Her advocacy for safe schools, particularly in response to abductions like those in Chibok and Kaduna, has driven initiatives such as the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, though implementation varies across states.
As Nigeria navigates economic and security challenges, UNICEF’s call resonates as a reminder of the need to invest in its youngest citizens. “Children are our greatest hope,” Munduate said, urging collective action to ensure every child has access to education, healthcare, and a safe environment to thrive. The event concluded with a renewed pledge from UNICEF to support Nigeria’s efforts, reinforcing hope for a brighter future for the nation’s children.
