By Muhammad Tanko
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), said it will partner the
Plateau State Government, to Review Child Rights Law.
The Plateau State Government has begun moves to review its Child Rights Law, with a proposal to impose a minimum penalty of ₦100,000 on offenders.
State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Philimon Daffi, revealed when he received a delegation from the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria (SOS CVN), and Jireh Doo Foundation (JDF) in Jos.
Daffi said the review was necessary to ensure stiffer punishments for violators and to update the law in line with modern realities.
“I told the committee reviewing our Child Rights Law that no fine should be less than ₦100,000,” he said.
Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani represented by Programme Manager Solomon Adoga praised the state for taking steps to strengthen the legislation.
He noted that while Nigeria passed the Child Rights Act in 2003, many states have either failed to domesticate it or have been inconsistent in its implementation, leaving children exposed to abuse and exploitation.
Rafsanjani identified child labour, trafficking, poor access to education, malnutrition and weak protection systems as major challenges undermining children’s welfare in Nigeria.
He pledged CISLAC’s support for Plateau State through technical input, advocacy in parliament, and broad stakeholder engagement.
“We are hopeful this process will produce a comprehensive law that guarantees children’s protection in Plateau and sets an example for other states,” he said.
Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Rufina Gurumyen, assured that her ministry was already sensitising communities on child marriage, trafficking and other abuses, and would work closely with partners to strengthen enforcement.
However, the initiative is part of the European Union–funded Strengthening Child Care and Protection System Project.
