Summary:
- An estimated 7 million children are living on the streets in Nigeria, according to NACTAL.
- The issue of street children is a growing crisis, with Nigeria having the third highest number globally.
- The government and society need to take immediate action to protect these vulnerable children and provide them with opportunities for a better future.
An estimated 7 million children, equivalent to the population of a small country, are living on the streets. This alarming figure was revealed by Abdulganiyu Abubakar, the National President of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) Nigeria.
As the world commemorated the 2024 International Day for Street Children on April 13th, the theme ‘Belonging’ took on a poignant significance in Nigeria. The day aimed to foster a sense of belonging for street-connected children within their communities, countries, and cultures. Yet, for the millions of Nigerian children living on the streets, a sense of belonging seems a distant dream.
These children, some as young as five, are seen everywhere in Nigeria, hawking goods or begging for alms. While some have families to return to at the end of the day, others take shelter under bridges, in mechanic shops, or in shanties across the cities. They are exposed to high-risk social behaviors such as drug abuse, drug peddling, stealing, and thuggery. Worse still, they could be easily exploited by traffickers for child prostitution, forced labor, organ harvest, and even used for ritual purposes.
The reasons behind this crisis are complex and multifaceted. Family dysfunction, including poor parenting, low family income, loss of breadwinners, violence against children, conflict, poverty, and the outright absence of social protection services, are all contributing factors. The result is a generation of children who are denied their basic rights and robbed of their potential.
Abubakar warned that “Streetism is a crime against children and a gross violation of their rights to dignity of persons.” He called on the government to commit to making child rights count for the Nigerian Child. He also stressed the need for vulnerable families to be supported with decent work that would enable them to earn a good income to take care of their children.
Addressing the crisis of street children in Nigeria requires a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, there is an urgent need for the government to strengthen social protection services to support vulnerable children and their families. This includes providing access to free, quality, and compulsory basic education, health and medical care, as well as age-appropriate skills and empowerment for improved quality of life.
Secondly, efforts should be made to address the root causes of the problem. This includes tackling poverty, improving access to education, and promoting responsible parenting. The government should also work to create more job opportunities for adults, so they can provide for their families and prevent their children from ending up on the streets.
Lastly, society as a whole needs to change its attitude towards street children. These children are not criminals or nuisances; they are victims of circumstances beyond their control. They deserve our compassion, understanding, and support. Only then can we hope to give them the sense of belonging they so desperately need and deserve.
