Nigeria Does Not Respect International Protocols on Parental Child Abduction: Report

Nigeria does not currently adhere to any international protocols regarding international parental child abduction, including the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

As a result, there is no formal mechanism for cross-border cooperation in the return of children wrongfully removed or retained away from their country of habitual residence.

In 2024, the U.S. Department of State received six initial inquiries from parents about possible child abductions to Nigeria. However, no further assistance was requested, and no necessary documentation was submitted by the end of the year.

At the start of 2024, there were six open cases involving 11 children. During the year, six new cases were reported involving 12 children, bringing the total to 12 cases and 23 children.

Four cases (involving nine children) were resolved during the year, all through voluntary means. One case (involving one child) was closed, leaving seven cases (involving 13 children) still open at the end of 2024.

No cases involved requests for access to children, and there were no cases brought before the Nigerian judiciary or requiring enforcement by Nigerian authorities.

The U.S. Department of State and Nigerian authorities maintain regular discussions to address pending abduction cases under Nigerian law. However, Nigeria’s lack of participation in international conventions limits the effectiveness of these efforts.

Nigeria’s domestic law, specifically the Child Rights Act 2003, prohibits the removal of a child from the custody of a parent or guardian against their will, but this law does not extend to international cooperation for cross-border abduction cases.

There is currently no Nigerian central authority designated for handling international child abduction cases under a treaty framework.