By Rotimi Olaleye
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and critical stakeholders have called on the federal government of Nigeria to implement more equitable budgeting practices to protect and promote children’s rights.
This call was made at a media dialogue on “Public Spending for Children’s Rights”, held in Lagos State, to commemorate 2025 Day of the African Child.
In her opening remarks, Chief of UNICEF’s Field Office for Southwest Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere described public spending on children as not only a moral and legal obligation but also an economic imperative.
She noted that well-targeted investments in children yield long-term dividends in national development, human capital and democratic stability.
Lafoucriere said the agency has supported the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget in creating a budget-tracking tool to ensure there is transparency and accountability on any spending on children.
Her words, “Today, nearly 50 years after the Soweto schoolchildren marched for their rights, millions of Nigerian children are still demanding access to basic public services.
“Despite Nigeria’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, many children remain without clean water, proper nutrition, healthcare, or education.
“The real issue is prioritisation. There will never be enough budget for everything, but is Lagos and indeed Nigeria, prioritising its children and youth as the future of tomorrow?”
The Social Policy Specialist with UNICEF, Muhammed Okorie lamented the inadequate implementation and spending for Children’s rights, despite the country’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Okorie said actual spending in many states falls short, undermining efforts to deliver essential services like healthcare, education, water and sanitation to children.
He stressed on the importance of aligning public spending with children’s needs, citing national and international benchmarks such as the Abuja Declaration, which recommends a minimum of 15% of government budgets for health.
“States are at different levels of commitment and implementation. Although many have integrated children’s rights into development plans and budgets, the gap between budget allocation and actual expenditure is still wide.
“We must not only budget adequately, but spend equitably reaching the most deprived children wherever they are”. He added
The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Olayinka Ojo, reiterated the state’s increasing investment in children over the years.
Ojo, represented by the Director of the Ministry, Olufemi Orojimi noted that early childhood development remains a key focus of the state’s development strategy, acknowledging UNICEF’s support in strengthening data systems and budget transparency.
“The Lagos State Government recognises that investment in children is an economic driver. It remains committed to increasing budgetary allocations and actual expenditures that promote the survival, development, protection, and participation of every child”. He added
Meanwhile, speaking with a medical health professional in Ekiti State, Dr Bolanle Ajegunle, pointed out that Nigeria accounts for one of the highest numbers of under-five mortalities globally, hence the need to increase funding in programs that cater for their welfare.
Dr Ajegunle explained that the situation is exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation and a lack of access to quality education, adding that it does not only affect the children’s immediate health but also has long-term implications for their development and the nation’s future.
He noted that investing in children’s health and education is crucial for building a stable and prosperous society, calling on critical stakeholders and the state government to prioritize children’s welfare.
“Malnutrition, malaria and poor access to healthcare are just a few of the factors contributing to this alarming statistic. Children who suffer from malnutrition or poor healthcare are less likely to reach their full potential, impacting Nigeria’s economic and social development”. He added
Also, Dr Fatima Hassan, emphasized that budgeting for children’s welfare is crucial for nation building which include investing in children’s health, education and their overall well-being.
Dr Hassan explained that a well-crafted budget that prioritizes children’s needs can have a ripple effect, leading to a healthier, more educated and productive population.
She said Children who receive proper healthcare and education are more likely to grow into capable and contributing members of society, which will lead to economic growth, reduced poverty rates and a more stable society.
The medical doctor urged policymakers to prioritize children’s welfare in the budget, allocating sufficient resources to healthcare, education and social programs that benefit children, adding that such investments would ultimately contribute to the nation’s growth and development.
