ABUJA — Civil society organisations (CSOs) have expressed deep apprehension regarding the alleged escalating influence of foreign interests in policies and programmes targeted at Nigerian children.
The coalition, spearheaded by the Centre for African Policy Research and Advice (CAFPRA), made its position known in Abuja during a high-level media engagement centered on children, family values, education, and public policy.
The groups charged lawmakers to look beyond the superficial consideration of individual bills and instead scrutinize broader policy frameworks, funding sources, and educational materials driving programmes meant for children.
Delivering his address at the event, CAFPRA Executive Director, Dr. Segun Adebayo, emphasized that African governments must ensure all adopted policies remain firmly rooted in indigenous realities.
He cautioned that Nigeria must refrain from uncritical adoption of international policy frameworks without first assessing their contextual relevance to the nation’s unique cultural, social, and institutional environment.
Echoing similar sentiments, renowned human rights lawyer and public affairs analyst, Sonnie Ekwowusi, who spoke on behalf of the coalition, noted that public opinion is increasingly becoming a pivotal determinant in securing legislative approval for controversial policies.
The organisations issued a firm demand for total transparency across the development, funding, and implementation stages of all child-focused programmes.
They appealed directly to government agencies and international development partners to openly disclose the primary objectives, funding sources, curricular contents, and implementation blueprints of initiatives introduced into schools and local communities.
“Nigerians deserve unhindered access to sufficient information to understand precisely who develops, funds, and executes programmes that directly impact our children and families,” the coalition asserted.
