Advocacy Visit Calls for Stronger Protection of Child Domestic Workers in Lagos Communities
On February 10, 2026, Devatop Centre for Africa Development (DEVATOP) paid an advocacy visit to the Oriade Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Satellite Town, Lagos State, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection systems at the grassroots level. The meeting brought together five key officials of the LCDA alongside representatives from DEVATOP. The engagement focused on fostering collaboration to improve the care, protection, and overall wellbeing of child domestic workers (CDWs) within the community.
This visit aligns with the broader implementation of DEVATOP’s “Protect Child Domestic Workers from Maltreatment” project, which seeks to address the vulnerabilities faced by children engaged in domestic work. Through strategic advocacy and partnerships, the initiative aims to promote safer environments and ensure that the rights of these children are upheld.
A central objective of the meeting was to establish a strong working relationship with the Oriade LCDA and lay the groundwork for sustained collaboration. Discussions also explored the possibility of domesticating the Lagos State Child Rights Law and Child Protection Policy at the local government level. Such a move is expected to strengthen community-based protection mechanisms and ensure that child protection frameworks are effectively implemented where they are most needed—within local communities.
DEVATOP emphasized that while the identification of child domestic workers remains an important and ongoing process, the focus of this engagement goes beyond identification. The organization highlighted the need for systemic and policy-driven approaches that institutionalize child protection at the grassroots, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.
The advocacy visit marks a significant step toward building stronger local partnerships and advancing the protection of vulnerable children. DEVATOP remains committed to working closely with government stakeholders and communities to create safer, more supportive environments for every child.
