The House of Representatives has reiterated its commitment to championing child-centred policies and legislation to improve the education, health care and nutrition of Nigerian children.

The deputy speaker of the House, Benjamin Kalu, stated this on Monday at a ceremony to mark the 2025 Day of the African Child, organised by Hope Alive, an NGO, in collaboration with Erudie Growth and Advancement Foundation (ERGAF-AFRICA).

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Child Rights-Based Budgeting in Nigeria: The Role of Policymakers”.

Represented by his special assistant on women affairs, Joy Akut, Mr Kalu said the heartbeat of the continent lies in the potential of its youngest generation.

“The theme challenges us to match our words with action, to build a future where every child is visible in our budgets, protected by our policies and uplifted by our priorities.

“This is why we in the 10th Assembly continue to support inclusive, child-focused legislation; advocate for better funding of education, health and nutrition; and strengthen oversight of government agencies,” he said.

He listed the agencies to include the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

Mr Kalu said this aimed to reaffirm the House of Representatives’ collective resolve that children were not left behind.

“Child rights-based budgeting (CRBB) is not charity; it is a constitutional obligation, development strategy and global best practice. It is how we ensure that our national resources reflect our national priorities.

“We know the gaps still exist, from inconsistent budget releases to inadequate protections for vulnerable children. But let me assure you: we are working to change that across every corner of this federation.

“And I am proud to say that our ongoing efforts, including the support for the Child Destitution Bill, have increased advocacy for the full domestication of the Child Rights Act, while direct youth-focused interventions are already making a difference,” he said.

On his part, the chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Bamidele Salam (PDP-Osun), pledged to champion a child-rights-based budgeting system in the National Assembly.

“If there is anything that is urgent, if there is anything that is strategic, if there is anything that is very fundamental, it is the care of children,” he said.

In his remarks, Chibuzor Okereke, the president of the Projects Hope Alive Initiative, called on governments at all levels to urgently adopt child rights-based budgeting.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria’s budget still lacks the philosophical foundation of inclusion and deliberate focus on child-centred development.

“What is missing is the political will and deliberate action. Our budget lines should be crafted to address the real challenges children face, whether in basic education, immunisation, nutrition or safety,” he said.

Mr Okereke called for a system-wide overhaul, beginning from the Office of the Budget of the Federation to the Presidency, National Assembly, governors, state houses of assembly, and local government councils.

(NAN)