Nigeria’s Legal Frameworks Safeguarding the Best Interests of Children: A Critical Examination of Policy Implementation Gaps, and Socio-Cultural Influences

Abstract

This study undertakes a critical examination of Nigeria’s Legal Framework for Safeguarding the best interests of children, with a focus on policy implementation gaps and socio-cultural influences. Despite the existence of Laws and policies aimed at protecting child rights, Nigeria continues to grapple with challenges related to child welfare, including child abuse, neglect and exploitation. Never in the history of the nation has the children been under the kind of siege and abuse as they are today. This research investigates the extent to which Nigeria’s Legal framework is effective in safeguarding the best interests of children, and identifies the socio-cultural factors that influence policy implementation. Using the doctrinal research methods this study reviews laws protecting children’s rights. The findings showcase a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding child protection in Nigeria and provide recommendations for strengthening the legal framework and improving policy implementation to better safeguard the best interests of children.