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Chibok Schoolgirls Abduction’s Commemoration: UNICEF Calls for Intensified Protection of Nigerian Children
Chibok Schoolgirls Abduction’s Commemoration: UNICEF Calls for Intensified Protection of Nigerian Children
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for intensified efforts to protect the country’s most vulnerable population—its children.
The call was made in a statement marking the 10 year commemoration of the abduction of schoolgirls by terrorist group Boko Haram from Chibok, Borno State, Northeast Nigeria.
The statement read that: “As Nigeria marks 10 years since the mass Chibok abductions in the Northeast, 90 girls remain in captivity, and the country is recovering from another abduction of schoolchildren in Kaduna state in March of this year. UNICEF is calling for intensified efforts to protect the country’s most vulnerable population—its children.
A report, Minimum Standards for Safe Schools (MSSS) Monitoring Report released by UNICEF on Monday revealed a stark reality that the journey toward ensuring every Nigerian child can learn in a safe environment is far from over.
The report showed that just 37 per cent of schools across 10 states have early warning systems in place to identify threats, such as school attacks.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate said: “The kidnapping of the Chibok girls was a wake-up call to the severe risks our children face in their pursuit of education,” adding that: “Today, reflecting on this tragedy and other recent abductions, it is evident that our efforts to safeguard our children’s futures must be amplified. Given these alarming statistics, we must address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of this crisis. Education is a fundamental right and a crucial pathway out of poverty. Yet, for too many Nigerian children, it remains an unattainable dream.”
The analysis looked at six result areas – strong school system, violence against children, natural hazards, conflict, everyday hazards, and safe school infrastructure – and uncovered significant disparities in the implementation of safe school standards across Nigerian states.
It shows Borno State, with a 70 per cent fulfilment of the standards, exemplifies a strong commitment to child safety amidst adversity. Yobe State also demonstrates promising progress. In contrast, Kaduna and Sokoto states lag significantly, with fulfilment rates at just 25 per cent and 26 per cent, respectively. In addition to the finding on early warning systems and conflict, the report shows that while schools perform relatively well in terms of training school-based management committees on safety and responding to children’s well-being concerns, only 14 per cent of the participating schools across the 10 assessed states have functioning, safe, accessible infrastructure and just 36 per cent have school staff trained on natural hazards.
According to the statement, “the analysis comes on the heels of disturbing reports of violence affecting schools with brazen abductions of students on the rise. In the last 10 years, conflict-related violence has led to more than 1,680 children abducted while at school and elsewhere; 180 children killed due to attacks on schools; an estimated 60 school staff kidnapped and 14 killed; and more than 70 attacks on schools, according verified reports by the United Nations.
“The threat of abduction of students is severely affecting children’s learning. As of 2021, over one million children were afraid to return to school, and in 2020, around 11,500 schools were closed due to attacks, according to Policy Weekly by Nextier.”
UNICEF Nigeria therefore called for the government, partners, and the international community to take decisive action to: Ensure all schools across all states have the resources and tools to fully implement the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, focusing on the most vulnerable regions; Address critical gaps in safe school infrastructure, preparedness for natural disasters, conflicts, and comprehensive approaches to violence against children; Strengthen law enforcement and security measures to protect educational institutions and communities from attacks and abductions.
“Prioritize education and child protection in national policies and budget allocations to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all Nigerian children; Ensure the continuity of education and learning when schools are shut through multiple learning pathways such as radio and TV programmes and through digital platforms like the Nigeria Learning Passport.”
UNICEF said it is working with the government to ensure that every child can access safe learning environments, adding that it has supported the inauguration of state safe school steering committees and the drafting of state costed implementation plans for safe schools in 13 states, as well as provide school grants, safety kits, training and awareness raising to accelerate the implementation of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools.
NigerianMunduate said: “As we remember the Chibok girls and all children whose right to education has been compromised, let this somber anniversary serve as a catalyst for change. However, we must acknowledge the recent abductions, which underscore the persistent vulnerability of our schools. To ensure that schools are safe havens, strong political will and proper implementation of safe school standards are essential. Together, we can restore trust between educational institutions and the communities they serve, ensuring schools are sanctuaries for learning and growth.”
Chibok Schoolgirls Abduction’s Commemoration: UNICEF Calls for Intensified Protection of Nigerian Children
Police inspector dies from injuries after auto crash in Nasarawa
By: Zagazola Makama
A police inspector, Usman Zubairu, has died from injuries sustained in a motor accident in Nasarawa State.
The officer, attached to the Police Mobile Force (PMF) unit deployed at the Government House in Lafia, was initially involved in a serious road accident before being transferred to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Sources said the officer died at about 2:00 a.m. on March 22 while receiving medical care at the hospital.
His remains have been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while burial arrangements are ongoing.
Police inspector dies from injuries after auto crash in Nasarawa
News
EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility
EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility
By: Michael Mike
The European Union has announced a significant expansion of its strategic partnership with Nigeria, unveiling a €290 million investment package under its Global Gateway Strategy to support digital infrastructure, healthcare manufacturing, agricultural value chains and migration management.
The announcement was made during the Eighth Nigeria–EU Ministerial Dialogue held in Abuja and co-chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas.
European officials said the seven new investment operations demonstrate a renewed political commitment to deepen cooperation between both partners while supporting Nigeria’s development priorities.
“In the current geopolitical context, the European Union is keen to enhance its partnership with Nigeria,” Kallas said. “Bringing more EU investment to Nigeria, aligning with the Renewed Hope agenda for the Nigerian Federal Government is a key priority for both sides.”
The EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, said the investments are designed to support long-term economic growth while strengthening critical sectors.
“Together with Nigeria, we are investing in the modernisation of the digital sector, a stronger health system and in the development of agriculture,” Síkela said. “These Global Gateway investments create quality infrastructure, sustainable jobs and long-term economic opportunities that benefit the Nigerian people while also creating new opportunities for Europe.”
The digital sector received the largest share of the investment package, with €131 million earmarked for improving connectivity, expanding digital services and strengthening digital skills.
Under the programme, the EU will support the rollout of approximately 90,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable across Nigeria in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
The project aims to deliver secure and affordable internet access to an estimated 33 million Nigerians who currently lack reliable connectivity.
It will also support the development of secure and interoperable digital public infrastructure and contribute to Nigeria’s technical talent development initiative aimed at training millions of digital professionals.
Alongside the broader investment package, the development arm of the European Investment Bank, EIB Global, signed a €50 million financing agreement with the Bank of Industry to boost healthcare manufacturing in Nigeria.
The facility will support local companies producing pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostic products and other medical devices through a dedicated credit line aimed at addressing financing gaps in the sector.
The agreement was announced in the presence of senior officials including the Bank of Industry’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Olasupo Olusi, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot.
Olusi said the initiative represents a major step toward building Nigeria’s domestic pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing capacity.
“This partnership marks a pivotal step in Nigeria’s journey from being a major importer of essential health commodities to becoming a competitive producer within regional and global value chains,” he said.
“By mobilising long-term patient capital into local pharmaceutical, vaccine and diagnostics manufacturing, we are not only strengthening health security but also catalysing industrial growth, skills development and high-quality job creation.”
The initiative is financed under the Human Development Accelerator programme backed by the European Commission and implemented by the European Investment Bank in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Ambroise Fayolle, said the partnership demonstrates the EU’s commitment to strengthening health systems across Africa.
“By financing the development and local manufacture of essential medicinal and nutritional products, we enhance access to affordable, safe and high-quality treatments for diseases while improving the resilience of supply chains,” Fayolle said.
The EU investment package also includes €86 million to support agricultural development, particularly in Nigeria’s cocoa and dairy value chains.
The financing will provide easier access to credit for smallholder farmers and agribusiness companies through the Bank of Industry while supporting climate-smart agriculture policies and sustainable production.
Officials said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s ambition to expand dairy production and strengthen cocoa exports to European markets.
Another €16 million will support migration management programmes, including reintegration support for returning migrants and efforts to combat human trafficking networks.
The funding will provide social, economic and psychological assistance for voluntary returnees while strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to tackle smuggling and trafficking networks.
The latest commitments build on earlier EU investments in Nigeria in sectors including urban transportation in Lagos, renewable energy, democratic governance and programmes to combat gender-based violence.
With the new package, total Team Europe commitments to Nigeria since 2025 have reached €962.5 million.
Officials said the growing portfolio highlights the EU’s intention to deepen economic cooperation with Nigeria while promoting sustainable development, industrialisation and private sector growth.
The European Investment Bank alone has invested more than €2.3 billion in Nigeria since beginning operations in the country in 1978, supporting projects in infrastructure, climate resilience, innovation, agribusiness and small business financing.
European officials said the new investments are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to build resilient industries, create jobs and expand opportunities for regional trade across West Africa.
EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility
Ex-civilian joint task force member arrested for threatening family with rifle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have arrested a former member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State for threatening a family member with a firearm.
According to sources, the arrest occurred at about 0700 hours on March 22 at Maraban Zallaki village, where the ex-CJTF member was found in possession of a locally made rifle and two live.
“The suspect was reportedly threatening to shoot a family member of his ex-wife when troops intervened,” the sources said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is mentally unstable.
He, along with the recovered firearm and ammunition, is currently in troops’ custody for further investigation and appropriate action.
Ex-civilian joint task force member arrested for threatening family with rifle in Plateau
Police inspector dies from injuries after auto crash in Nasarawa
EU Unveils Major Investment Drive in Nigeria with €290m Global Gateway Package and €50m Health Manufacturing Facility
Ex-civilian joint task force member arrested for threatening family with rifle in Plateau
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