ABSTRACT
This research examines child rights violations as it remain a critical global concern, demanding concrete action to ensure their protection. Due to their age and development, children are particularly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Upholding their fundamental rights is paramount, as enshrined in the Child's Rights Act 2003 (CRA). This act reflects international standards, particularly those set forth by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The CRA outlines the fundamental rights of children in Nigeria, ensuring their protection, development, and well-being. These rights include the right to life, dignity, personal liberty, fair hearing, privacy, family life, freedom of thought, conscience, religion, expression, and movement. Additionally, children have the right to be free from discrimination and the right to acquire property. The CRA expands on the rights provided by the Nigerian Constitution, offering more defined provisions specific to child protection in Nigeria. However, effective enforcement of these rights remains a challenge. This research explores the complexities of enforcing child rights in Nigeria, particularly focusing on the issue of child marriage. In this harmful practice, young girls are often married without their full consent. This study aims to contribute to a more effective framework for safeguarding children's rights in Nigeria by examining the challenges and opportunities related to the CRA's enforcement. It recommends that institutions for the investigation and handling of criminal cases involving a child should be set up so that the public would know how seriously the government takes the case of child rights abuse. This work concludes that there should be a full implementation of the Child’s Rights Act in the regulation of the rights of a Nigerian Child and the introduction of a robust poverty eradication program, with the provision of necessary social amenities that would go a long way in supporting parents that can barely feed and perhaps boost their sense of responsibilities towards their children.
