Children, Status and the Law in Nigeria

Abstract

In Nigeria, people have variously described children as the future hope or as leaders of tomorrow. Such attributes are often expressed by parents, social critics, political analysts, and media commentators, who will always offer sentimental obeisance to the notion that children are indeed the greatest human asset. In effect, it means that children are appreciated, recognized, and regarded as valuable human monument worthy of investing upon for the very survival and continuous existence of the human race. This paper stresses on the need for Nigeria to adopt all the Universal Conventions or Agreements that tend to promote the protection of the rights of Nigerian citizens, including the child’s rights law, so as to ensure that such rights are not rendered non-justiciable, violated or fettered with impunity. The paper calls on the National Assembly to shun procrastination by showing some serious commitment towards the ratification of these Conventions and Charters as part of Nigeria’s municipal laws.It also undertakes a painstaking approach in explaining and highlighting the enviable position that children occupy in the Nigerian society and the very special recognition accorded their status under the Nigerian law. It is important to bear in mind that recognition of the inherent dignity, equality, and the inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.

Key Words: children, destitution, extremism, human rights, justice, juvenile, law, status, terrorism, thuggery, trafficking, vandalization, etc.