NSCDC, Sokoto Humanitarian Ministry Strengthen Partnership on Child Protection

Ref: AAA 19/NSCDC/PRU/SSC/VOL.28.9

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Sokoto State Command, and the Sokoto State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Welfare have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening child protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration programmes aimed at promoting the welfare of children across the state.

This formed the focus of a courtesy visit by the Ministry’s Human Resource Development Team to the NSCDC Sokoto State Command Headquarters on June 25, 2026, where both institutions explored avenues for deeper collaboration in implementing child-centred initiatives and alternative measures to detention and prosecution of children in conflict with the law.

Receiving the delegation, the State Commandant, CC E.A. Ajayi, MIIPS, MNIIS, underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing child protection and achieving sustainable development goals. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among relevant stakeholders to strengthen mechanisms that safeguard children from abuse, exploitation, trafficking, child labour, and other forms of violence.

The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on key frameworks relating to crime prevention, child rights, gender equality, and the protection and empowerment of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

Both organisations also deliberated on measures to address pressing social challenges, including gender-based violence, child trafficking, early marriage, and child labour, through enhanced cooperation, advocacy, and community engagement.

Speaking during the meeting, members of the Ministry’s Human Resource Development Team expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded them by the Command. They noted that collaboration between the Ministry and NSCDC remains critical to achieving child protection objectives and broader national security goals.

The team emphasised the need for stronger institutional partnerships, mutual respect, and collective action among government agencies and stakeholders to create a safer and more prosperous society.

They further reiterated their commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of laws and policies designed to protect children from abuse, neglect, trafficking, exploitative labour, gender-based violence, and other harmful practices.

In his remarks, Commandant Ajayi commended the Ministry’s sustained efforts in promoting child welfare and development, describing it as a key partner in the fight against child abuse and exploitation.

He noted that the Child Rights Act, which domesticated the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, provides a robust legal framework for protecting children from violence, trafficking, harmful cultural practices, and other forms of exploitation.

The Commandant reaffirmed the readiness of the NSCDC Sokoto State Command to continue working closely with the Ministry and other stakeholders in advancing programmes that promote child welfare, social justice, and community development.

He also pledged the Corps’ unwavering support toward building a society where the rights and dignity of every child are protected and upheld.

The meeting concluded with both organisations reaffirming their commitment to sustaining the long-standing partnership between the NSCDC and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Welfare, with a shared goal of strengthening child protection systems and ensuring the successful reintegration of vulnerable children into society.