The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called for sustained investment in Nigeria’s children, describing the country’s youthful population as a major driver of future economic growth and national development.
UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, made the call after concluding a working visit to Nigeria, where she acknowledged progress in child health, education and protection but warned that insecurity, economic pressures and climate-related challenges could threaten recent gains.
Nigeria has nearly 105 million children and adolescents, representing about half of its population, making investment in areas such as healthcare, nutrition, education and child protection increasingly important.
Russell said she witnessed the resilience and potential of Nigerian children despite the challenges they face.
She highlighted interventions in Sokoto, including UNICEF-supported health centres treating malnourished children and digital learning programmes providing educational opportunities for young people.
The UNICEF chief said improvements in birth registration, social protection and school enrolment show the impact of prioritising children in national development. However, she warned that funding challenges, global economic instability, insecurity and climate-related emergencies could affect millions of vulnerable children.
Russell stressed the need for continued investment in healthcare, nutrition, education, safe water, sanitation and protection services, describing early childhood support as critical to building stronger communities and a stronger economy.
She commended efforts by federal and state governments to improve child welfare and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with stakeholders to support Nigeria’s development.
Russell said the choices made for children today will shape the country’s future.
