SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria Advocates for Child Care Reform

SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria (SOSCVN) urged for stronger implementation of alternative care policies to ensure Nigerian children grow up in safe and supportive family environments. This call was made by the National Director, Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse, during the National Alternative Care Consultative Forum, part of the Strengthening Child Care and Protection Systems in Nigeria project funded by the European Union.

The forum gathered government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, and child protection practitioners to enhance the implementation of alternative care standards. Erhumwunse noted that while Nigeria has made progress with legal frameworks like the Child Rights Act, only five states had adopted the National Guidelines for Alternative Care by the end of 2025.

He identified poverty, conflict, and inadequate family support as factors leading children into residential care and emphasized the need for reforms that prevent unnecessary separation. He called for the inclusion of children with lived experiences in decision-making and urged the government and partners to adequately fund these reforms.