UNICEF Chief says investing in Nigerian children key to nation’s future

By Gbolahan Salman

The Executive Director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, has stressed that investing in Nigerian children is the surest path to securing the country’s future, urging sustained commitment to health, education, nutrition and child protection despite growing global economic pressures.

Russell made the call at the end of her official visit to Nigeria on Friday, during which she visited projects in Sokoto State and held engagements with government officials at the federal and state levels.

She said Nigeria, with nearly 105 million children and adolescents representing about half of its population, has a unique opportunity to transform its youthful population into a major driver of economic growth, innovation and national resilience.

“Everywhere I went in Nigeria, I saw the strength, ambition and potential of children and young people despite continued challenges,” Russell said.

“There is no denying that many children face challenges, but I am encouraged to see the Government-led response to provide critical services for children.”

Recalling her visit to Sokoto, the UNICEF chief said she witnessed firsthand how targeted interventions were improving children’s lives.

“In Sokoto, I met mothers at a UNICEF-supported health care center where children were being treated for malnutrition, helping them survive. I also met girls and boys who are getting a second chance in education through digital learning,” she said.

Russell acknowledged that Nigeria has recorded progress in key sectors, including birth registration, social protection and school enrolment, describing the achievements as evidence of what can be accomplished when children are placed at the centre of national development.

She, however, warned that global economic pressures, funding constraints, insecurity, displacement and climate-related shocks continue to threaten recent gains made for children across the country.

According to her, continued investment in healthcare, nutrition, education, safe water and child protection services is essential to ensure that vulnerable children are not left behind.

“The first years of a child’s life are a critical window for a child,” Russell said. “Good nutrition, healthcare, early learning, and protection help children develop to their full potential, building the foundation for stronger communities and a prosperous economy.”

The UNICEF Executive Director commended the commitment demonstrated by governments at both federal and state levels towards improving children’s welfare and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to deepen collaboration with governments, development partners and the private sector.

She noted that expanding opportunities for every Nigerian child would require stronger partnerships and sustained investments.

“Nigeria’s future will be shaped by the choices made for children today,” Russell said.

“Nigeria can be a positive example for shaping new models for investment in services and economic growth that benefits all children. UNICEF is committed to support the country on this quest.”

Russell’s visit highlighted UNICEF’s continued partnership with Nigeria in strengthening child-focused interventions aimed at improving health, nutrition, education, social protection and overall child development across the country.