CHILD RIGHT ACT
Act · Governance
Policy date: 2026-03-04
An Act protects the rights and welfare of every Nigerian child under the age of eighteen. It places obligations on parents, government institutions, and communities to safeguard the child's rights. The Act ensures that the child's best interest remains the primary consideration in all actions taken.
What Is This Policy?
This law protects the rights and welfare of every child in Nigeria (anyone under 18), covering issues like education, health, protection from abuse, and freedom from harmful practices.
Who Does It Target?
The Child Rights Act targets all Nigerian children under 18, while also placing obligations on parents, government, institutions, and communities to safeguard their rights and welfare.
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
The CRA aims to protect Nigerian children under 18 from harm, guarantee their rights, and ensure their welfare is prioritized in law and society.
Key Features
Best Interest Principle: The best interest of the child must be the primary consideration in all actions by parents, institutions, courts, or government.
Fundamental Rights for Children :Extends constitutional rights specifically to children under 18. It Includes rights to survival, development, name, identity, dignity, education, health, parental care, leisure, and freedom from discrimination.
Current Status
In force. The Child Rights Act 2003 is in force at the federal level; however, state-level domestication varies — 36 states and the FCT have now adopted it.
Legal Framework
1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (1990) Criminal & Penal Codes