Factors responsible for child vulnerability in Nigeria

Suggestion for programme development

Abstract

Child vulnerability in Nigeria is an important development challenge that needs a multi-sectoral intervention approach. This is because the plight of vulnerable children poses a significant challenge to achieving goals 1-5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Given the increasing number of children categorized as vulnerable and in need of care and protection, there is a need to prioritize resources and develop social intervention programmes to address causative factors. This paper through literature review seeks to add to the discourse on child vulnerability in Nigeria. The literature search revealed that intervention strategies such as the family strengthening programmes and parenting skill training can be effective intervention strategies. The paper thus recommends that social workers working in various child and family welfare agencies in Nigeria can increase awareness of these intervention strategies. Knowledge of these intervention strategies can help development partners and other agencies providing family and child welfare services in Nigeria during their programme design and implementation.