An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Child Rights Protection Laws in Nigeria

In 1984, the campaign against child abuse in Africa was commenced vigorously by Africa Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN). The organization held conferences, considered the dimensions of child abuse and came up with Protocols and Treaties, protecting African children from all forms of abuse Thirty-Four years after, child abuse is still prevalent in our society. The aim of this work is to examine the effectiveness of child protection legislation in Nigeria. The dimensions of child abuse in Nigeria and the provisions of some International Child protection instruments such as African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification & Enforcement) Act, International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, International Labour Organization Convention No 138 On The Minimum Age For Employment, Optional Protocol to the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of children in Armed Conflict (OPAC) 2000, Optional Protocol on the Sales of Children. Child Prostitution and Child Pornography. The Convention on the Consent to Marriage, and Minimum Age for Marriage and registration of Marriage, were also examined. To achieve this, the researcher adopted the doctrinal research method. The researcher used primary source materials such as the Constitution, Statutes and Treaties. Secondary source materials such as textbooks, journals, dictionaries and indexes to law reports were also used. This work is canvassing the fact that enactment of new laws is not needed to curb child abuse in Nigeria but few amendments to refine the already existing laws. This work is also canvassing for a spirited enforcement mechanism and practical implementation of existing laws especially the Child’s Right Act. This work recommended the amendment of the Abortion Law (section 230 criminal Code), section 5, section 31(2), and section 17 of the Child’s Right Act. It also recommended the enforcement of Chapter Two of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution, and the adoption of the Violence Against Person (Prohibition) Act 2015 in other Nigerian States other than the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, in order to provide solace for male victims of rape while eradicating the ancient belief that a male cannot be raped.