In a decisive move, the Bauchi House of Assembly is actively gearing up to fast-track the passage of the long-awaited Child Rights Bill. Speaker Abubakar Suleiman conveyed this commitment at an Orientation Workshop in Abuja, organized by Plan International Nigeria for the assembly members.
Standing as the only state in Nigeria yet to adopt the Child Rights Act, Bauchi faces a law that the National Assembly passed and former President Olusegun Obasanjo ratified in 2003. Consequently, the urgency of this matter echoes a growing national consensus on the critical importance of child welfare.
Addressing the legislative delay, Suleiman pledged swift and decisive action. “We are wholly dedicated to enhancing the lives of our children,” he asserted. “Already, we have completed the first reading of the bill. Therefore, our commitment now is to quickly advance through the second and third readings to ultimately enact this vital legislation.”
Furthermore, the speaker assured Plan International Nigeria and other involved stakeholders of the assembly’s steadfast commitment to initiatives that bolster the state’s development.
Moreover, Charles Usie, Country Director of Plan International Nigeria, underscored the orientation’s importance in updating the new assembly members about the child rights law. “Given that about 90 percent of the members are new, it’s imperative to provide them with a comprehensive orientation to ensure the bill’s expedited passage,” Usie highlighted.
Similarly, Plan International Nigeria has been instrumental in advocating for and providing technical support for the bill’s ratification through its ASPIRE project. In May 2022, the organization collaborated with Bauchi State’s Ministry of Women Affairs to assess the Child Protection Bill’s current status. This partnership led to the development and validation of the document, thereby laying the groundwork for its submission to the State House of Assembly.
Additionally, Usie reaffirmed the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting the legislative process until the bill attains law status and secures the Executive Governor’s endorsement.
Also, Amina Ahmed, the Bauchi State Chief Magistrate, urged the assembly to meticulously address specific concerns in the bill, particularly those regarding the ‘Bauchi State Child Protection Law.’ She emphasized that the bill, comprising 28 parts and 255 sections, holds the potential to significantly impact children’s rights and welfare in the state.
Hence, the legislative action in Bauchi signifies a pivotal step in aligning state laws with national child protection standards. According to a report by The Guardian, the bill’s passage will not only uphold children’s rights but will also exemplify Nigeria’s commitment to international child welfare standards.
Ultimately, the Bauchi House of Assembly’s proactive prioritization of the Child Rights Bill marks a substantial stride towards safeguarding the future of children in the state. This concerted effort is in line with a broader national and global push to enhance child protection and welfare policies.
