Child Abuse, Social Policy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

Whether in rural or urban areas of Nigeria, the negative effect of child abuse in the lives of children are enormous in that it affects them socially and emotionally. Knowing fully that the motive behind the enactment of the Child’s Right Act is to ensure sustainable development of the nation by providing for and protecting the rights of Nigerian children from all forms of Abuses since they remain the future of any nation. This paper therefore, examines child abuse, social policy and sustainable development in Nigeria in general and Akwa Ibom State in particular. The study adopted a historical/descriptive and analytical method of enquiry and generates primary data from questionnaires distributed and secondary date. It revealed that, violating child’s right through the various forms of abuses has undesired consequences for both the child, and the society at large. The consequence includes poverty, poor health, emotional problems and social isolation. It recommended among others, that the tenets of the CRA should be taught to all Nigerians, especially the primary caregivers for children, through raising awareness of the existence of the Act and organizing training programmes on the content of the CRA. Moreso, the government at all levels and the governmental organizations should facilitate the knowledge of CRA among Nigerian residents by providing copies of the CRA in form and languages that are easily understood by the different groups in Nigeria.