THE STATE AS DUTY HOLDERS: AN APPRAISAL OF THE CONCEPT OF CHILD RIGHTS PROTECTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite Nigeria's domestication of various international and regional treaties on child rights protection, cases of child rights violation still persist. The problem appears to be centred on the perceived gaps in the legal provisions and their enforcement, as well as the passive role of States in ensuring the welfare and protection of children. Exploring the legal, institutional, and policy frameworks in place, this study aims to critically examine the concept of States as duty holders in child rights protection in Nigeria. In undertaking this task, this study adopts a doctrinal method of research in the analysis of statutory instruments, case law, and international conventions relevant to child rights protection. Findings in this study reveal that whilst laws such as the Child Rights Act 2003 provide a robust framework, issues such as legal pluralism, weak institutional capacity, and lack of political will significantly hinder effective implementation. It is recommended that the government enhance coordination among enforcement agencies, increase budgetary allocations for child welfare programs and intensify public awareness campaigns to shift socio-cultural attitudes that undermine child rights. The study concludes that without deliberate State action and systemic reform, the promise of child rights protection in Nigeria will remain largely unfulfilled.