President Tinubu Vows End To Bullying, Boosts Child Protection Measures Nationwide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s deep commitment to protecting and nurturing Nigeria’s children, describing them as the heartbeat of the nation’s future and the custodians of tomorrow’s innovation and leadership.

In his national address marking the 2025 Children’s Day celebration, the President declared that safeguarding every Nigerian child is not just a constitutional obligation, but a moral and intergenerational duty shared by all.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s Children’s Day, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation,” President Tinubu said the message was timely and resonated with the culture Nigeria must build—one where every child feels safe, respected, and heard, whether in the classroom or online.

He condemned all forms of violence, bullying, and neglect, stating unequivocally that they have no place in today’s Nigeria.

Citing global statistics that show one in three children experience bullying, and local estimates indicating that up to 65% of school-age children in Nigeria face physical, psychological, or social aggression, the President said such figures are unacceptable in a nation committed to the wellbeing of its future generations.

He reiterated that child protection is central to the Renewed Hope Agenda and announced that the federal government has commenced full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030).

The plan, which the President launched recently, lays out a detailed framework for preventing abuse, prosecuting offenders, and providing support to victims.

He also noted ongoing efforts to review and strengthen the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015), with a view to expanding protection and closing enforcement gaps. Digital safety was also highlighted, with Tinubu emphasizing the importance of the Cybercrime Act in shielding children from cyberbullying and exploitation.

President Tinubu expressed satisfaction that all 36 states have domesticated the Child Rights Act but cautioned that legislation alone is not enough. He called for a collective approach that includes parents, teachers, caregivers, lawmakers, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens.

The government, he added, is investing in national systems to ensure real-time responses to child abuse cases, including scaling up the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) and community-based mechanisms through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.

He further revealed that the government is developing a robust institutional framework dedicated solely to child protection and development. Complementary to this is the rollout of the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, and the implementation of new guidelines for school administrators to strengthen protective structures in educational institutions.

Through initiatives like the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children, the administration is working to ensure that every Nigerian child—regardless of their background—has access to inclusive learning and equal opportunities.

In the area of healthcare, President Tinubu announced that the government is expanding Mother and Child Hospitals across the six geopolitical zones, integrating maternal and child health services for better outcomes.

These efforts, he said, are being mirrored at the subnational level in collaboration with state governments. He also disclosed that the Ministry of Women’s Affairs has developed National Guidelines for Alternative Care for Children who are unable to remain with their biological families, ensuring such children are raised in loving, secure environments.

Highlighting the importance of nutrition in learning and development, Tinubu said the government is scaling the Nutrition 774 programme and the national School Feeding Scheme to ensure that no Nigerian child goes hungry.

A dedicated Department of Nutrition has also been established within the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to enhance coordination and implementation of child and maternal nutrition programmes.

The President stressed that social protection tools such as the Universal Child Grant and the Child Wellbeing Index are being developed to institutionalize accountability and measure progress across child-related indicators.

He launched a nationwide “See Something, Say Something, Do Something” campaign, urging all Nigerians to be vigilant and proactive in defending the rights of children wherever they are threatened.

Addressing the children directly, President Tinubu assured them that their dreams, voices, and safety matter. He encouraged them to speak up if harmed, promising that they would be heard and protected. He also called on all partners and stakeholders to embed child rights into every national and subnational policy and to deepen investment in the welfare of children.

He concluded by congratulating Nigerian children and expressing hope that their laughter would continue to echo across the nation as a symbol of renewed hope and a prosperous future. President Tinubu reaffirmed that no child should suffer in silence or be left behind in the journey to national greatness.