UNICEF Calls for Investment in Nigeria's Children

During her official mission to Nigeria, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell urged for sustained investment in Nigerian children, describing them as the country's greatest opportunity for future growth and innovation. She noted that nearly 105 million children and adolescents represent half of Nigeria's population, despite facing significant economic challenges such as rising inflation, insecurity, and climate-related shocks.

Russell acknowledged Nigeria's notable progress in areas like birth registration, social protection, and school enrollment, and emphasized the importance of government-led interventions. While visiting Sokoto State, she met with mothers at a UNICEF-supported healthcare center treating malnourished children and interacted with a girl benefiting from a digital learning program aimed at providing a second chance at education.

Russell stressed that investments in healthcare, nutrition, education, safe water, and child protection are critical, warning that recent gains could reverse without sustained funding and stronger partnerships. She reaffirmed UNICEF's readiness to collaborate with the government and private sector to expand opportunities for every Nigerian child.