On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Nigeria marked Children’s Day, a nationwide observance dedicated to promoting the rights, welfare, and future of Nigerian children. This year’s theme—“Securing Our Future: Investing in Every Child”—resonated deeply across the country, especially as stakeholders raised growing concerns about insecurity, child abuse, and the lack of legal protection for millions of children.
Graylaw Practice LP Leads Legal Action on Children’s Rights in Nigeria
Among the loudest and most impactful voices was Graylaw Practice LP, a leading Nigerian law firm focused on human rights and public interest advocacy. The firm spearheaded a nationwide legal awareness campaign, offering free legal consultations and child rights education in Abuja and Lagos.
Graylaw organized community sensitization programs at local schools and public centers, where its team of lawyers educated parents, teachers, and children on the Child Rights Act, juvenile justice, and how to report abuse and seek redress. The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between policy and practice in child protection.
Demanding Government Action: From Celebration to Accountability
In a bold public statement, Graylaw Practice LP criticized the practice of celebrating Children’s Day without matching it with policy implementation. The firm called for:
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Full domestication of the Child Rights Act in all 36 states, especially where it remains unenacted.
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Greater funding for child welfare services, including child-friendly courts and secure school infrastructure.
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Fast-tracked prosecution of child abuse cases, including child labor, trafficking, and sexual violence.
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Deployment of security forces to schools vulnerable to attacks, particularly in the Northwest and Northeast regions.
Graylaw’s Managing Partner noted:
“The safety of Nigerian children is a legal obligation, not a ceremonial wish. We must stop merely talking and start enforcing the laws already in place. This is a national emergency.”
Championing Legal Protection for Every Nigerian Child
Graylaw’s intervention on Children’s Day 2025 underscores the role of legal advocacy in safeguarding child rights in Nigeria. The firm reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice and holding institutions accountable for violations against children.
The Children’s Day celebration, marked by parades, speeches, and cultural programs, served as a moment of joy—but also a call to action. Thanks to firms like Graylaw, the message is clear: Every Nigerian child deserves safety, justice, and equal opportunity—and the law must lead the way.
