The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday, warned that massive global cuts in child-focused funding are threatening the lives and future of millions of children, urging Lagos lawmakers to take concrete steps to protect vulnerable children in the state.
Speaking at the World Children’s Day Policy Dialogue and Children’s Arts Exhibition held at the Lagos State House of Assembly Complex, Alausa, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, said the world is currently witnessing a disturbing rollback in the protection of child rights.
Lafoucriere noted that while November 20 marks the day the world agreed children have enforceable rights— not privileges — those rights are now at risk due to shrinking budget commitments by governments and international partners.
She disclosed that global funding cuts could result in 4.5 million more children dying by 2030, six million being pushed out of school by 2026, and more than 200 million children losing access to essential support.
“This is the world we are operating in right now. But it does not have to be our Lagos story,” Lafoucriere said.
She commended Lagos for recording the best birth registration statistics in Nigeria, saying the achievement shows that when the state prioritises children, results follow.
The UNICEF chief stressed that the children present at the event represent diverse backgrounds across Lagos but share common rights — education, health, protection, clean water and the right to be heard.
“These are not favours granted when budgets allow. These are rights,” she said, adding that many children still go to school hungry, attend schools without toilets or clean water, face violence, or are excluded from decisions affecting their lives.
Lafoucriere challenged Lagos lawmakers to move beyond polite acknowledgements and commit to timelines for improving child welfare infrastructure.
“When the children finish speaking, we would love to hear specific commitments from our Honourable Members — when to fix that school, expand digital learning, build that health centre, extend health insurance, or create space for children’s voices in policymaking,” she said.
She emphasised that every investment in a child translates into a healthier, more productive adult and reduces the likelihood of poverty or crime.
The theme of this year’s World Children’s Day, “My Day, My Rights,” she noted, reflects the real daily struggles of children and not merely a ceremonial slogan.
Lafoucriere reaffirmed UNICEF’s readiness to support Lagos State in ensuring that every child enjoys their full rights.
“Let us leave here with actions that children can see and feel in their daily lives. Let us show them what leadership looks like,” she added.
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