Recent incidents of newborns being left abandoned within Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory expose deep-seated social challenges and disruptions affecting Nigerian society. The disturbing rise in mothers abandoning their infants in remote locations such as forests and waterways starkly contradicts fundamental human empathy. This troubling pattern demands a thorough reassessment aimed at eradicating these heartrending events.
Nigeria is witnessing a troubling surge in cases of infant abandonment. Between July 29 and August 29 alone, seven instances were reported in the Abaji and Kuje Area Councils of the FCT, highlighting entrenched societal problems. This alarming trend calls for urgent action from all stakeholders to address the underlying factors driving mothers to such desperate measures.
While infant abandonment is a global issue, its manifestations vary across regions. A 2012 study by the European Commission’s Daphne Programme revealed Romania as having the highest rate of child abandonment in maternity wards, with 8.6 per 1,000 live births, followed by Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, and France. Although Nigeria lacks comprehensive national data on abandonment rates per 1,000 births, localized figures are significant: Lagos State recorded 497 cases and Oyo State 114 between 2009 and 2012.
In 2024, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) raised concerns over a spike in child abandonment, documenting 339 complaints in February alone across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT. A particularly harrowing case occurred in September 2025 when a 20-year-old woman in Kebbi State was caught attempting to bury her newborn alive shortly after delivery. Thankfully, the infant was rescued.
The causes behind child abandonment are complex and widely recognized within Nigerian society. Factors include pregnancies outside wedlock, maternal struggles with addiction or mental health disorders, the birth of children with disabilities or illnesses, economic hardships such as joblessness and homelessness, family conflicts, fear of societal judgment, and lack of support from partners or relatives.
However, the immediate trigger for such tragic decisions often lies in overwhelming hopelessness. A mother may face one or multiple challenges, but it is the absence of optimism and the inability to foresee a hopeful future that intensifies her despair. In these moments, fear can overshadow maternal instincts, leading to emotional detachment and drastic actions.
Research suggests that the reasons behind infant abandonment are generally temporary and preventable through a two-pronged approach. Firstly, offering social and legal support-such as employment opportunities, financial assistance, or housing-can help stabilize the mother’s circumstances. Secondly, psychological counseling can foster emotional strength and self-esteem. It is crucial for government agencies, community organizations, NGOs, and faith-based groups to collaborate in bridging the gap between pregnancy and the point of abandonment.
Globally, some nations have adopted innovative legal measures to address this issue. For instance, the United States enforces “safe-haven” laws permitting parents to leave unharmed infants at designated safe locations like hospitals or fire stations without fear of prosecution. Additionally, “baby boxes” or “baby hatches,” a practice dating back to medieval Europe, provide anonymous and secure places for parents to leave newborns who can then be cared for by others. While these concepts may seem culturally unfamiliar in Nigeria, they illustrate practical alternatives. The Nigerian government should explore adapting such models to align with local traditions and offer safer options for desperate parents.
The Child Rights Act of 2003 aims to shield children from neglect and abuse, affirming that every child deserves dignity and protection. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, and the law’s adoption varies across states, limiting its impact on reducing infant abandonment.
Addressing this crisis also requires dismantling the taboo surrounding sexuality in Nigeria. In a country that has embraced rapid technological progress-from the Jet Age to the digital revolution and now artificial intelligence-there must be openness about sexual health education. Comprehensive sex education in schools and communities, covering contraception, family planning, and reproductive health, is vital to lowering unintended pregnancies.
Furthermore, the government must implement economic policies that strengthen social safety nets, including accessible healthcare, childcare support, and financial aid for vulnerable families. Ensuring that no mother feels compelled to abandon her child due to financial hardship is a critical step toward resolving this issue.
The impact of abandonment on infants is profound. Early childhood is a pivotal period for brain development, where emotional bonding and consistent care establish the foundation for future well-being. Depriving a child of this nurturing environment can result in long-lasting psychological and social challenges.
Experts warn that the rising number of emotionally traumatized children could worsen Nigeria’s existing socioeconomic problems. Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Chairman of the NHRC, emphasized in 2024 that the prevalence of child abandonment poses potential security threats, as neglected infants may face adverse outcomes later in life.
To effectively tackle infant abandonment, Nigerian authorities must candidly address the failures of past and current economic policies. The growing number of abandoned newborns reflects shortcomings in leadership and social welfare strategies. Immediate action is needed to alleviate poverty and reduce inequality, creating support systems that prevent parents from viewing abandonment as their only recourse. Protecting children begins with safeguarding the well-being of mothers.