UNICEF Reveals High Child Abuse Rates in Nigeria

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced plans to enhance its child protection interventions in Nigeria, focusing on child abuse, child marriage, and poor birth registration as central issues in its new country strategy for 2028–2032. At the Child Protection Mid-Year Review in Abuja, Chief of Child Protection Natalie McCauley revealed that six in ten Nigerian children experience some form of abuse, while only two in five children under five have their births registered, highlighting significant urban-rural disparities.

Additionally, two in five young women are married before the age of 18. McCauley emphasized the need for evidence-driven interventions that prioritize measurable improvements in children's lives.

Despite progress in 2025, including support for nearly 120,000 children and acceleration of birth registrations, she warned that national achievements often mask inequalities affecting vulnerable communities. UNICEF aims to strengthen government-led systems to better protect children from violence, exploitation, and harmful practices.