KADUNA – The Kaduna State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict child adoption procedures as part of efforts to curb trafficking, abuse, and exploitation of vulnerable children in the state.
Speaking during a formal adoption committee session on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development Hajiya Rabi Salisu, said the administration of Gov. Uba Sani was determined to ensure the adoption process remains transparent, lawful, and child-focused.
“As you have seen, our adoption committee comprises representatives from security agencies, KADVIS, NAPTIP, human rights bodies, religious institutions, civil society groups, and private orphanages.”
The process is rigorous because we are dealing with human lives,” the commissioner said.
Reports that the session witnessed the thorough vetting and screening of adoption applicants.
Many of them were questioned extensively on their backgrounds, motivation, and preparedness for parenting.
Salisu emphasised that the process was guided by the state’s Child Protection Law, Adoption Law, and the Social Welfare Law, all amended in 2018 to introduce stricter eligibility requirements for adoption.
She said, “We assess applicants’ financial capacity, mental health, social life, and living environment before they are even considered eligible.
“It’s an all-day process because the lives and future of children are involved.”
Salisu added that the screening included mandatory Court documentation, home verification, and interviews with immediate family members to confirm their awareness and consent.
“We do all these to prevent trafficking. Kaduna has recorded its own share of trafficking incidents, and we are not taking any chances. Child protection is our top priority,” she said.
Salisu disclosed that the ministry rarely approves adoption requests from outside Kaduna State, citing challenges with follow-up and child monitoring.
“Most applicants from outside the state are not indigenes. The law prioritizes Kaduna citizens.
“In rare cases, approval is at the discretion of the Commissioner, and we are extremely cautious,” she said.
Salisu reiterated that the adoption process was completely free of charge, saying, “we don’t ask for money. All we care about is the welfare of the child.”
According to her, the only financial check they do is to ensure that the applicants can provide for the child.
Addressing the cases of abandoned babies in the state, the commissioner described the act of dumping infants in dustbins, soakaways, and streets as barbaric and a capital offense.
“Children are blessings from God. While some people are desperately praying for a child, others throw theirs away like trash. This is totally unacceptable,” she said.
Salidu urged parents and community leaders to do more in sensitizing the public about responsible parenting and the consequences of child abandonment.
“If you cannot raise the child, bring them to the ministry. We will protect your identity and give the child a chance to live in a loving family,” she advised.
The commissioner also called on parents to prevent unwanted pregnancies by educating their children and discouraging child hawking and labor, which often expose minors to abuse and sexual exploitation.
She assured that Sani’s administration remained focused on building a society where every child was safe, protected, and given a fair start in life.(NAN)
