The federal government plans to review the child adoption regulations in the country, to improve the process and stop violence and other forms of abuse against children.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said this at a press conference held with Save the Children International (SCI) ahead of the Children’s Day celebration on Monday, 26th May 2025 in Abuja.

Ms Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the review will help protect children’s rights and welfare and make adoption more transparent, effective, and focused on the child.

She also said the government will soon introduce updated National Creche Guidelines to help regulate childcare centres and prevent abuse.

“We are establishing the Child Protection Knowledge and Data Centre. We are finalising the Child Protection Services structure, including formal protection, reporting, response, and rehabilitation,” she said.

“We are also promoting the approved six-month maternity leave for new mothers and two weeks’ paternity leave for new fathers.”

She said the government is also working to strengthen the Nigerian Children’s Parliament across the country.

“We recognise it as a vital platform for child participation, leadership, and advocacy on development issues.
The voices of our children matter, and we must amplify them in shaping policies that affect their present and future,” she said.

Duncan Harvey, Country Director of SCI, also spoke about the need to involve children in finding solutions to issues that affect them.

Mr Harvey said: “Children are not just victims; they are part of the solution. Support child-led platforms, peer support groups, safe spaces, and school clubs that encourage children to speak up and support one another.
Involve children in developing school rules and anti-bullying policies. Incorporate empathy, respect, and conflict resolution into the children’s syllabus.

engage children in feedback sessions and policy reviews to ensure their voices shape school culture and anti-bullying measures,” he said.

Child Adoption Rule In Nigeria

The major law that regulates the adoption process in Nigeria are the Child’s Rights Act and other state adoption laws.

The legal and regulatory framework for adoption revolves primarily around;

• Child’s Rights Act 2003 this is the principal legislation regulating adoption in Nigeria and It outlines the requirements one must meet in order to be qualified to adopt a child.
• (State) Adoption Laws
• Regulatory Agencies
• International Conventions
• Judicial Precedents

The act in Section 129 provides for the category of persons who may adopt a child in Nigeria.

From the provision:
The following persons may apply for an adoption order-

• a married couple where each of them has attained the age of twenty-five years, and
• there is an order authorizing them jointly to adopt a child; or
• a married person, if he has obtained the consent of his spouse, as required under section 132 of this Act; or
• a single person, ifhe has attained the age of thirty-five years, provided that the child to be adopted is of the same sex as the person adopting; or
• in all cases specified in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section, the adopter or adopters shall be persons found to be suitable to adopt the child in question by the appropriate investigating officers.

By law, anyone who wants to adopt a child must be at least 25 years old and must be at least 21 years older than the child. So, if you want to adopt a 10-year-old child, you must be at least 31 years old.

It is also important to note that people who are cohabiting or in same-sex relationships are not allowed to adopt children under Nigerian law.

Character and financial ability are also important in the adoption process.

The Child’s Rights Act says that the person applying must have good character and must have enough money and resources to take proper care of the child.

Getting Approval from the State Welfare Office

In most states, people who want to adopt a child must first write a formal request to the state welfare office. This request asks for permission to begin the adoption process. After sending the request, the welfare office invites the applicants for an interview. During this interview, the office checks if the applicants are fit to adopt a child.

Filing a Court Application

If the applicants pass the welfare office interview, they need to apply to a court for child adoption.

This application goes to the court registrar and must include documents like a marriage certificate, birth certificate or age declaration, passport photos, and a medical fitness report from a government hospital.

Home Background Check

After the court receives the application, it sends an order to the welfare office to carry out a background check on the applicants.

This investigation checks if the applicants are suitable to raise a child. At the same time, the court picks a guardian ad litem to protect the child’s interest during the process. The guardian acts like a probation officer and writes a report to the court after completing the investigation.

Welfare Officer’s Recommendation

The welfare officer will visit the applicants’ home several times to check how well the child is adjusting.

Once the officer believes the child is settled, they write a recommendation to the court based on their findings.

Court’s Final Decision

The court considers the adoptive parents’ plans to keep the child safe, healthy, and happy. If the court is satisfied, it gives an adoption order. If not, it can reject the application.

New Birth Certificate

When the court approves the adoption, the new parents must get a new birth certificate. This document officially names them as the child’s parents.

On May 26, 2025, the Edo State Government kicked off a critical training program for the newly recruited members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada.

While the deadline for recruits to report has passed, the initiative remains a pivotal step in bolstering security across the state.

Here’s all you need to know about this community-driven security effort and what it means for the future.

What is the Edo State Security Corps About?

The Security Corps is a state-backed, community-based security outfit designed to tackle grassroots insecurity in the State.

Launched as a response to rising challenges like cultism, kidnapping, and armed robbery, the ESSC aims to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies, such as the police, by fostering localized, proactive responses to crime.

According to Paul Ohonbamu, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Communication, the corps has been restructured under the guidance of retired generals to ensure a disciplined and effective force.

The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to empowering local communities to take charge of their safety while promoting stability and reducing insecurity.

Why Is This Training Important?

The training, which began this week at the NYSC Camp in Okada, is a cornerstone of Edo State’s broader strategy to strengthen its security framework.

The program, designed to equip recruits with the skills, discipline, and coordination needed, will address local security threats effectively,by focusing on grassroots-level intervention, ensure that security personnel are familiar with the unique challenges of their communities, from urban centers like Benin City to rural areas across Edo’s three senatorial districts.

This initiative is particularly timely given recent reports of violent incidents in nearby regions, such as the attack in Imo State that claimed 30 lives, underscoring the need for robust local security measures.

The training also fosters collaboration between the ESSC and national security agencies, creating a unified front against crime.

What Happens If The Recruits Don’t Show Up?

The Edo State Government set a strict deadline for recruits to report to the NYSC Camp by the close of May 26, 2025.

According to Commissioner Ohonbamu, failure to report by this deadline results in disqualification from the training program, emphasizing the state’s commitment to discipline and accountability.

What’s Next After the Training?

Following the completion of the training, successful recruits will be deployed across Edo State to support local security efforts.

The ESSC is expected to play a critical role in maintaining law and order, working alongside police and other agencies to prevent and respond to criminal activities.

The state government has also urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, signaling that the ESSC will rely on community cooperation to be effective. Looking ahead, the corps is likely to undergo continuous training and restructuring to adapt to evolving security challenges, ensuring that Edo remains a safe and stable environment for its residents.

Why This Matters Now

The launch of the ESSC training marks a significant milestone in Edo State’s fight against insecurity. As the recruits begin their intensive program, the initiative serves as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges. For Edo residents, the ESSC represents hope for safer communities and a stronger, more coordinated response to crime. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of the training and the impact of the Edo State Security Corps in the weeks to come.

Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Sheikh Gumi, based in Kaduna, confirmed the incident in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Monday.

According to Gumi, he had obtained a visa for the pilgrimage but was denied entry into Medina due to his political views.

“Despite holding a valid visa, the Saudi authorities refused me entry because of my views on global politics,” he wrote.

Gumi had traveled to Saudi Arabia with a delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The delegation arrived at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina on Saturday night via Umza Air. However, upon arrival, Saudi immigration officials reportedly denied Gumi entry, stopped him at the airport, and placed him on a return flight to Nigeria.

In his statement, Sheikh Gumi thanked Nigerian authorities for their support and stated that they have pledged to engage with Saudi officials for clarification and a resolution.

“I am grateful to the Nigerian authorities who have assured me of their efforts to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he said.

A NAHCON source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the deportation. The source said the Commission was taken aback by Saudi Arabia’s decision, particularly since all members of the delegation had valid visas and met the required criteria for Hajj participation.

Although Saudi authorities have not issued an official explanation, observers believe the deportation may be linked to Sheikh Gumi’s outspoken political and religious views, which often challenge Saudi policies. In recent years, Gumi has been involved in dialogue with armed groups in northern Nigeria and has openly criticized both Western and Middle Eastern political interventions.

The incident has sparked widespread debate within religious communities and the general public, raising concerns about the impact of political beliefs on fulfilling religious obligations.

As of this report, there has been no official statement from either the Saudi embassy in Nigeria or the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria, where he has resumed his preaching and teaching activities.