The Federal Government has announced a major investment of over N112 billion to ensure safe and inclusive spaces for children across Nigeria over the next three years.

This was revealed by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during a statement in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 World Children’s Day on Wednesday.

World Children’s Day, observed annually on November 20, marks the adoption of the Declaration and Convention on the Rights of the Child by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959 and 1989, respectively.

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This year’s theme, “Advancing Children’s Rights for a Sustainable Future,” emphasizes the importance of securing children’s rights to create a better world for future generations.

Addressing the nation, Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted that the funding will be channeled through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools.

The plan aims to protect educational environments and promote inclusivity for all children.

“Through the National Plan for Financing Safe Schools, more than N112 billion has been allocated to safeguard learning environments over the next three years, ensuring that schools remain safe and inclusive spaces for all children,” she said.

She further outlined progress in child protection, noting the domestication of the Child Rights Act (CRA 2003) in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as a significant achievement.

The minister also cited the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015 as evidence of the government’s commitment to the Maputo Protocol and the broader goal of eliminating violence against children.

“These legislative frameworks have strengthened our policies to shield children from abuse, violence, and exploitation, reinforcing Nigeria’s stance against all forms of harm toward its youngest citizens,” she added.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing critical issues affecting children, including education inequity, child labor, and healthcare access.

“Nigeria is taking bold actions to combat violence against children through legislative reviews, enhanced policies, and comprehensive child protection frameworks,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

World Children’s Day, spearheaded by UNICEF, is a global call to action to tackle challenges such as education disparities, child labor, and inadequate healthcare.

The Nigerian Senate has officially removed Danladi Umar as Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) following allegations of gross misconduct.

The decision, made after a lengthy closed-door session, was backed by more than 84 senators, marking a significant action under Section 157(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the motion, emphasized the crucial role of the CCT in upholding integrity and accountability within Nigeria’s public institutions.

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He condemned Umar’s conduct, asserting that it did not meet the standards required of a public officer in such an esteemed position.

“The Code of Conduct Tribunal is a statutory institution expected to uphold virtues of integrity and accountability,” Bamidele said. “However, Mr. Danladi Umar’s conduct has fallen short of the requisite standards for someone entrusted with such responsibilities.”

Bamidele outlined a series of allegations against Umar, including corruption, misconduct, and a month-long unexplained absence from office.

He also pointed to Umar’s involvement in a physical altercation with a security guard in Abuja, as well as ongoing investigations by the EFCC, ICPC, and DSS.

These incidents, Bamidele argued, reflected negligence and gross misconduct, unbefitting the position of CCT Chairman.

“The Senate has been inundated with series of petitions and allegations of corruption and misconduct against the Chairman, which led to several invitations to appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions,” Bamidele continued. “Unfortunately, he appeared only once and subsequently ignored further invitations.”

In addition to detailing Umar’s alleged missteps, Bamidele noted the Senate’s recent confirmation of Abdullahi Usman Bello as the new CCT Chairman.

Bello was nominated by President Bola Tinubu and confirmed by the Senate on July 4, 2024, ushering in a new leadership era for the Tribunal.

The invocation of Section 157(1) of the Constitution, which allows the Senate to remove the CCT Chairman for misconduct, is a rare move.

It is the first time since 1999 that the provision has been used to dismiss the head of a key government agency.

This decision underscores the 10th Senate’s determination to uphold the rule of law and ensure the integrity of public institutions in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, has banned all commercial activities, including Point of Sale (PoS) operations, within its premises and related formations.

This decision was among key reforms adopted at the recent Comptroller General of Customs (CGC) Conference held in Abuja.

Announcing the development on Wednesday, the Customs Area Controller for the Apapa Command, Babatunde Olomu, said the directive is aimed at improving operational efficiency and eliminating distractions.

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He also revealed that customs officers are now prohibited from participating in cargo clearance processes to maintain the integrity of the service.

“One of the key outcomes from the conference is the continued diligent examination of import and export cargo, with the deployment of 100 per cent physical examination where necessary,” Olomu said.

The conference also resolved that enforcement officers should avoid issuing indiscriminate intervention alerts to ensure a unified approach across the service.

Additionally, customs officers are no longer allowed to act as licensed clearing agents, a practice that has been deemed a conflict of interest.

“Other outcomes from the conference include the banning of commercial activities within customs formations and premises. This includes the engagement of PoS operators near customs offices and customs officers doubling as licensed clearing agents, which conflicts with their official mandates,” Olomu explained.

The Apapa Area Command has recorded remarkable progress in revenue generation, collecting N2.01 trillion as of November 19, 2024. Olomu expressed confidence in meeting the N2.2 trillion target for the year by month’s end.

This achievement mirrors the service-wide performance announced by Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the CGC Conference.

Adeniyi disclosed a total revenue collection of N5.07 trillion, with the Apapa Command contributing 40 per cent of the figure.

“These figures are a testament to the high expectations placed on us and the critical role we play in the service’s overall success,” Olomu noted.

Addressing enforcement operations, Olomu urged officers to ensure that suspects are arrested alongside contraband during smuggling interdictions to strengthen prosecutions.

He also highlighted the importance of adhering to the World Customs Organisation’s theme of leveraging relationships to achieve customs goals.

The conference further mandated routine medical checks for all officers to promote their health and well-being, a directive that Olomu assured would be implemented promptly.

As the Apapa Command continues its operations, Olomu encouraged officers to emulate CGC Adeniyi’s leadership in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and stakeholder engagement.

“We must remain uncompromising in enforcement and committed to our responsibilities in the service and national interest,” he said.