Today, Nigeria joins the rest of the world in celebrating Children’s Day—a day dedicated to recognising the rights, dreams, and dignity of every child. Across the country, colourful parades, school performances, and community events are taking place to mark the occasion. But behind the joyful scenes lies a more sobering reality: for millions of Nigerian children, there is little to celebrate.
At Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), we believe that Children’s Day should go beyond symbolism. It must serve as a rallying point for urgent action to tackle the systemic challenges plaguing the lives of children across the nation. Nigeria remains one of the most dangerous places for a child to grow up, with alarming rates of malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, insecurity, and lack of access to education.
In view of this, our Founder and Chairperson, Funmi Falana, SAN, has issued a press statement urging all tiers of government to move beyond ceremonial observances and commit to meaningful reforms that protect and empower our children.
We invite you to read the full statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT: BEYOND THE CELEBRATIONS OF CHILDREN’S DAY IN NIGERIA
On 27 May 2025, political leaders in Nigeria joined their counterparts in other countries to celebrate Children’s Day. Beyond the celebrations, the Federal Government and the 36 State Governments as well as the Federal Capital Territory should, as a matter of urgency, address the crises that are confronting the majority of children in the country. Some of the crises are set out below:
- STUNTED CHILDREN
Nigeria has the second-highest number of stunted children in the world, with 37 per cent of children under five suffering from chronic malnutrition.- UNVACCINATED CHILDREN
Reports have confirmed that Nigeria has the highest number of unvaccinated children in the world. According to UNICEF, over two million of the country’s estimated 8.7 million children under one year have not received a single dose of any of the critical vaccines meant to prevent deadly childhood diseases. These include diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, whooping cough, polio, tetanus, tuberculosis, and yellow fever.- OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN
Nigeria has the largest number of out-of-school children in the world. An estimated 10.5 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are not enrolled in school, while an additional 8.1 million at the junior secondary level are out of school. Since basic education (primary to junior secondary school) is legally free and compulsory for every Nigerian child, the Federal Government should collaborate with the 36 State Governments and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure the immediate enrolment of all out-of-school children.- INFANT MORTALITY
The infant mortality rate in Nigeria is currently around 60 deaths per 1,000 live births. This means that for every 1,000 babies born in Nigeria, about 60 will die before their first birthday. This rate has been steadily declining over the past few decades, but remains high compared to many other countries.- MATERNAL DEATHS AND INSECURITY
On a regular basis, hundreds of school children are kidnapped from school by terrorist groups. Parents and guardians have been compelled to pay ransoms to secure the release of abducted children. In the last few years, millions of children have withdrawn from schools to avoid being kidnapped by terrorists and other dangerous gangs.WE CALL ON PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU TO SUMMON AN EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE HEADS OF ALL GOVERNMENTS IN NIGERIA TO ADOPT MEASURES TO END THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROBLEMS BEFORE THE 2026 CHILDREN’S DAY.
Funmi Falana SAN
Founder and Chairperson
Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA)
As we mark this year’s Children’s Day, let us remember that the well-being of children is not just a moral responsibility—it is a national emergency. We urge policymakers, civil society, community leaders, and every Nigerian to demand urgent action. Together, we can move from celebration to commitment, from parades to progress, and from promises to protection.
Happy Children’s Day. Let us work to make every day a better day for every Nigerian child.