UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell visits Nigeria, spotlighting children’s potential as the country’s greatest opportunity

ABUJA/NEW YORK, 17 July – UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell today completed a mission to Nigeria, underscoring the potential of the country’s children and the need for sustained investment to protect recent gains amid growing global and regional economic pressures.

With nearly 105 million children and adolescents — about half of the population — Nigeria has one of the world’s greatest opportunities to turn a young generation into a powerful engine of human capital, innovation and resilience. As rising prices strain vulnerable households, investing in children is more urgent than ever.

“Everywhere I went in Nigeria, I saw the strength, ambition and potential of children and young people despite continued challenges,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director. “There is no denying that many children face challenges, but I am encouraged to see the Government-led response to provide critical services for children. In Sokoto, I met mothers at a UNICEF-supported health care center where children were being treated for malnutrition, helping them survive. I also met girls and boys who are getting a second chance in education through digital learning.”

Progress has been achieved in areas such as birth registration, social protection and school enrolment. These gains show what is possible when children are prioritized but much more is needed to ensure that every child benefits.

Global economic pressures including the impact of the Middle East crisis, funding constraints and other shocks are creating new challenges to sustaining hard-won gains for children. In addition, in some communities, children and families face insecurity, displacement and climate-related shocks.

Continued efforts are underway to strengthen health, nutrition, education, safe water and protection services. Investment and partnership are essential to ensure vulnerable children are not left behind.

“The first years of a child’s life are a critical window for a child,” Russell said. “Good nutrition, healthcare, early learning, and protection help children develop to their full potential, building the foundation for stronger communities and a prosperous economy.”

The Executive Director welcomed the commitment of government counterparts at federal and state levels and stressed UNICEF’s continued commitment to work with all partners including the private sector to help expand opportunities for every child.

“Nigeria’s future will be shaped by the choices made for children today,” said Russell. “Nigeria can be a positive example for shaping new models for investment in services and economic growth that benefits all children.  UNICEF is committed to support the country on this quest.”