Creation of Child Development and Protection Agency, a necessity or Duplication of Function?
Oru Leonard
As an outcome of a crucial meeting with the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), management team who paid the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, a courtesy visit at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The Minister mooted the creation of Agency To cater for Implementation, enforcement of Women, Children’s Rights to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of its children and to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of children’s rights and welfare policies in Nigeria. law enforcement agencies, retention centers, remand homes, and other child protection institutions to ensure the effective enforcement of child rights laws.
According to her, “The Ministry is overwhelmed with implementation tasks when, in fact, our core mandate is to design and supervise policies for the government. This is why we need the Child Development and Protection Agency, which will take on implementation, allowing us to focus on policy-making,” Hajiya Imaan stated.
However, the proposal to create a Child Development and Protection Agency (CDPA), in Nigeria raises concerns about duplication of functions, particularly with the existence of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). NAPTIP was established to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable groups, including children.
While the Minister’s intention to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of children’s rights and welfare policies is commendable, it’s essential to assess whether creating a new agency is the most effective solution. The Minister’s argument that the Ministry is overwhelmed with implementation tasks and needs a dedicated implementing arm is valid. However, it’s crucial to examine whether NAPTIP’s mandate can be expanded or modified to accommodate these responsibilities.
Moreover, the proposal to train a dedicated pool of child protection lawyers and the emphasis on birth registration and data access regulations are commendable initiatives. These efforts can be undertaken within the existing framework of NAPTIP or other relevant agencies, rather than creating a new agency.
In conclusion, while the Minister’s proposal is well-intentioned, it’s essential to carefully consider the potential duplication of functions and assess whether existing agencies can be leveraged to achieve the desired objectives.
