CSOs worry over foreign influence on children development, seek policy review

Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have raised concerns over perceived growing influence of foreign interests in policies and programmes affecting Nigerian children.

They have therefore called on the National Assembly to scrutinise relevant legislations, educational frameworks and government policies to ensure they reflect the country’s social and cultural realities.

The organizations, led by the Centre for African Policy Research and Advisory (CAFPRA), made the call in Abuja,  Thursday, during a media briefing on children, family values, education and public policy.

They urged the parliament to go beyond consideration of individual bills, but examine the broader policy frameworks, funding sources, partnerships and educational materials in programmes targeted at children and the young.

Executive director of CAFPRA, Dr. Segun Adebayo, said African governments must ensure that policies adopted within their countries are firmly rooted in their own realities.

“We are dedicated to policies of the land, to be sure that the policies of the government in Africa are consistent with the realities of Africa,” he said.

He noted that terms like “bodily autonomy,” “sexual rights” and “gender identity” should be clearly defined and their implications carefully considered before being incorporated into laws, government policy or educational materials for children.