UNICEF is asking the Kebbi State House of Assembly to pass the Child Protection Act and approve a special children's allowance to support health, education, and social welfare.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Kebbi State House of Assembly to take action in protecting the rights of children across the state. During a visit to the Assembly in Birnin Kebbi on July 10, 2025, UNICEF asked lawmakers to create a special committee for child protection and to approve a children's allowance in the state budget. This move is meant to reduce poverty and improve the lives of children in Kebbi, especially those living in poor communities.
UNICEF's Appeal
Mr. Michael Juma, UNICEF's Chief of Field Office in charge of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, led the delegation to the Assembly. He said UNICEF is deeply focused on ensuring the full implementation of the Child Rights Act across Nigeria. In Kebbi, however, the Child Protection Act is still waiting to be approved by the Executive.
He appealed to the Assembly to:
- Help move the Child Protection Act forward so it can become law
- Form a committee to handle child protection and children's welfare matters
- Include a children's allowance in the annual state budget
Why This Matters
UNICEF says many children in Kebbi do not have access to basic needs such as:
- Clean water
- Proper nutrition
- Basic education
- Healthcare
- Safe living environments
Adding a children's allowance would allow the state to directly support families in poor communities and improve child welfare.
Social Protection and Poverty
Mr. Juma explained that Kebbi State has a very high rate of multidimensional poverty. This means many families lack more than just money. They also lack education, clean water, proper housing, and other important services.
UNICEF is ready to support Kebbi in building strong social protection systems, especially for:
- Poor women and children
- Orphans and vulnerable children
- Families without access to public services
By doing this, the state can reduce poverty, improve child health, and boost school enrolment.
The Role of the Assembly
The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Usman-Zuru, welcomed UNICEF’s visit. He thanked them for all the support they have given to Kebbi in healthcare, education, and social development.
He also promised that:
- The Assembly will work on creating a committee for the Child Benefit Allowance
- The Child Rights Act will be reviewed and sent to the Executive for further steps
How This Will Help Children
If Kebbi adopts the Child Protection Act and approves a children's allowance, this could lead to:
- More children going to school
- Better nutrition and health services
- Lower child poverty
- Stronger family support
UNICEF believes these steps are urgent and necessary for building a safe future for Kebbi’s children.
Common Questions Nigerians Ask
1. What is the Child Protection Act?
It is a law that protects children from abuse, neglect, and harmful practices. It ensures their rights to education, healthcare, and safety.
2. What is a children’s allowance?
It is money provided by the government to support families with children, especially those who are poor or vulnerable.
3. Why is UNICEF involved in this?
UNICEF works globally to protect children’s rights. In Nigeria, they help states like Kebbi improve services for children.
4. Who will benefit from the children’s allowance?
Families in poor communities, especially those with many children, orphans, and children with disabilities.
5. What is multidimensional poverty?
It means being poor in many ways not just lacking money, but also lacking health services, good housing, clean water, or education.