Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was adopted in May 1999. Regarding the definition of “child,” the constitution notes, in Article 19, that the term “includes a step-child, a lawfully adopted child, a child born out of wedlock and any child to whom any individual stands in place of a parent.” The constitution asserts, in Article 3(f), “The State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that- children, young persons and the age are protected against any exploitation whatsoever, and against moral and material neglect.”