By Nathaniel Zaccheus, Abuja
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has raised concerns over the growing vulnerability of African children, revealing that they account for about 75 per cent of victims of modern slavery across the continent.
The agency disclosed on Tuesday during activities marking the 2026 International Day of the African Child at the National Assembly, where lawmakers and child rights advocates called for stronger measures to protect children from exploitation, trafficking and deprivation.
Speaking at the event, NAPTIP’s Director of Training and Manpower Development, Dr Ebele Ulasi, described the situation as alarming, noting that millions of children across Africa continue to face threats ranging from poverty and child labour to trafficking, early marriage and limited access to education.
“Children constitute about 75 per cent of victims of modern slavery in Africa. This alarming figure calls for renewed commitment from governments, institutions, communities and families to protect children and secure their future,” she said.
Ulasi disclosed that agency records also showed that children accounted for 54 per cent of all victims rescued by NAPTIP as of 2024, underscoring the need for sustained intervention and stronger child protection mechanisms.
She commended the Senate Committee on Women Affairs for focusing this year’s celebration on universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene, stressing that access to clean water and safe learning environments remains critical to children’s health, education and overall development.
*Senate urges children to pursue ambitions despite challenges
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, urged children not to allow prevailing economic and social challenges to derail their ambitions.
Addressing students drawn from secondary schools across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the senator encouraged them to remain focused and determined in pursuing their goals.
“Hold on to your dreams of greatness. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you,” Kingibe advised.
She assured the students that the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving learning conditions, particularly through investments in water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools.
According to her, access to clean water, decent toilets and safe school environments is essential for quality education and the realisation of children’s potential.
“As envisioned by this year’s theme, your learning environments shall be improved through the provision of basic amenities, particularly water, which is life itself,” she said.
The event also featured an inter-school essay and debate competition on environmental sustainability, water access and Africa’s development challenges.
At the end of the contest, Government Secondary School, Kubwa, emerged overall winner, while School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, and Government Secondary School, Kwali, placed second and third respectively.
The International Day of the African Child is commemorated annually to promote the rights, welfare and development of children across the continent.
Participants at the event called for increased investment in education, healthcare, child protection and water infrastructure, warning that millions of African children remain exposed to exploitation and other forms of vulnerability despite decades of advocacy.
