From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The House Committee on Justice and Judiciary of the Kebbi State House of Assembly has held a public hearing on the State Child Protection Amendment Bill 2025. The session aimed to fine-tune existing child protection laws and address emerging concerns related to the welfare and rights of children in the state.
The public hearing drew a diverse group of stakeholders, including lawmakers, child advocacy groups, legal experts, Council of Ulama, officials from the Ministries of Religious Affairs and Women Affairs and Social Development, civil society organizations, Hisbah Board, Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), and concerned citizens.
Declaring the session open, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Usman Zuru, emphasized the importance of the proposed amendments.
He stated that the gathering was part of the legislative process to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and that laws passed by the House truly reflect the interests of the good people of Kebbi State.
Zuru noted that the Kebbi State House of Assembly enacted the Child’s Right Law in 2021 to protect and promote the rights and welfare of children in the state.
However, since its passage, various concerns and calls to review the law have been raised by stakeholders.
He emphasized that the House is committed to transparency, consultation, and inclusiveness in the discharge of its legislative duties.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Justice and Judiciary, Barrister Faruku Abubakar Maisudan, stated that protecting children is a collective responsibility and that the committee is committed to ensuring the smooth passage of the bill.
Participants at the hearing praised the proposed amendments, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive policies to address the rising incidents of child abuse and neglect.
They emphasized that the protection of children should be paramount and that laws should not only punish offenders but also support children in healing and thriving.
The public hearing continues to gather momentum, with further sessions scheduled to allow for additional input before the bill is finalized and presented for a vote in the House of Assembly.