Adverse Childhood Experiences in Nigeria: Causes, Effects and Solutions
By Promise Oladejo, Freelance Health Writer. Medical and Editorial review by The DatelineHealth Africa Team.
African girl child carying a baby on her back.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to potentially traumatic events that occur during childhood, typically between the ages of 0 to 17. [1] These negative events that occur during early childhood, carry a significant risk of causing lasting effects on an individual's mental and physical health and well-being. [2]
Adverse childhood experiences have been found to be associated with higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, suicidal tendencies, and other risky health behaviours later in life.
In Nigeria, the harsh economic and social conditions often leave a lasting impact on children’s lives; 150 out of every 1,000 children do not survive past the age of five. [3] Combined with the realities of child labour and secondary school dropout rates, these economic and social challenges can have long-term effects on mental health and behaviour into adulthood.
In this blog, you will learn some plain (overt) and disguised (covert) examples of traumatic events of children in Nigeria and how these may affect their physical, mental and social health into the future.
Some of these include:
Abuse is a form of ACE that includes psychological, physical, economic, and sexual abuse. In Nigeria, psychological abuse can occur in the form of verbal insults or humiliation, such as calling a child names like “useless” or constantly shouting at them or talking them down.
Physical abuse is widespread and culturally accepted as a form of discipline, with children often subjected to beatings using sticks, belts, etc.
Economic abuse is also widespread among low income families in both rural and urban centres in Nigeria. It includes child labour in farms, mines and factories; street vending, domestic servitude, etc., all for third party benefits rather than the benefits of the exploited child.
Sexual abuse is also prevalent, with many children experiencing molestation or exploitation, particularly through practices like early child marriage which is still common in certain regions of the country.
2. Violence
Exposure to violence is another common ACEs in Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by terrorism, cult activities and community violence. Children may witness violent attacks, lose loved ones to terrorist acts, or even be forcibly recruited into armed groups. In urban areas, cult-related violence also exposes children to traumatic events.
Parental divorce, separation, or death from whatever cause significantly affect a child’s emotional stability. While extended family members often step in as caregivers, the absence of a parent can leave children feeling abandoned and insecure.
Poor guardianship occurs when children live with unfit caregivers who struggle with substance use disorders, untreated mental illnesses or live in extreme poverty. In Nigeria, households where parents misuse alcohol or other substances are not uncommon, leaving children exposed to neglect and unsafe environments.
Financial insecurity is a widespread issue in Nigeria, where about 36% of the population lives below the poverty line. [4] Children from low-income households often face limited access to basic necessities such as food, education, and healthcare. Also they may be economically exploited through child labor, third party sexual exploitation, and early girl-child marriage in attempts to improve family income. Economic exploitation of children increases their risk of further adversities such as domestic and external violence and emotional neglect. This economic hardship creates chronic stress in children and contributes to ACEs.
Chronic hunger/food insecurity in children is not uncommon in low income families both in urban and rural areas of Nigeria. It is also not uncommon for children raised in camps for displaced people to face chronic hunger and food insecurity. Both conditions are forms of ACE and can lead to a range of negative effects on affected children’s health, development, and well-being.
Chronic hunger causes malnutrition, stunted growth, weakened immune systems, poor cognitive function, behavioral problems, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Like other examples of ACEs, chronic hunger and food insecurity may have significant consequences on children’s physical and mental health, with potential long-term future consequences.
Unmet needs refer to situations where children lack access to essential resources such as safe housing, clean water, nutritious food, appropriate clothing and education. In rural areas of Nigeria, for example, children may walk long distances for water while being exposed to unsafe conditions along the way. These unmet needs weaken safe nurture of children and their physical, mental and social well-being.
Early exposure to adverse childhood experiences contributes in the long term to a range of issues like:
1. Chronic Illness: ACEs increase the risk of chronic physical health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The stress from these experiences affects physiological responses, making individuals more vulnerable to serious health conditions that persist into adulthood.
2. Behavioral Maladjustment: Early exposure to adversity affects emotional regulation, making it harder to manage stress in a positive way. Many individuals develop behavioral difficulties, which can lead to repeating unhealthy patterns from childhood, such as violence or isolation. [6]
3. Mental Health Disorders: Children who face multiple ACEs are at an increased risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unresolved childhood trauma often manifests in adulthood, making it difficult to form healthy relationships or manage stress in a positive way. In many cases, individuals may repeat unhealthy patterns of violence, isolation, and self-destructive behavior. [7]
4. Increased Risk of Violence and Criminality: ACEs can lead to a higher likelihood of engaging in or becoming a victim of violence. Exposure to abuse, neglect, or domestic violence can normalize aggression and increase the risk of antisocial behavior. Many individuals who face multiple ACEs struggle with impulse control and may be drawn into criminal activities.
5. Poor Social Relationships: Individuals who experience ACEs often struggle with forming and maintaining healthy relationships. Trauma from childhood can result in difficulties with trust, attachment, and emotional stability, making interpersonal connections more challenging. [5]
6. Lower Educational Achievement: The trauma associated with ACEs can hinder academic performance, leading to lower graduation rates and difficulties in securing stable employment. Many children struggle with concentration, motivation, and attendance, which can result in long-term economic challenges.
7. Homelessness: Financial instability and neglect increase the risk of homelessness, as individuals may struggle with stable housing. Economic hardship and the long-term effects of ACEs can make it difficult to secure employment and access resources necessary for a stable life.
Tackling adverse childhood experiences in Nigerian children is complex and requires multiple approaches at governmental, community and individual levels over short, medium and long term periods. It also requires collaboration between many stakeholders. Some of the non-exhaustive actions needed are discussed below:
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are a serious issue in Nigeria, where poverty and tough living conditions make children more vulnerable to neglect, abuse, and a lack of basic needs. These experiences often lead to long-term effects on a child's health and well-being, impacting their mental, physical and social wellbeing, as well as their education, and their future.
To tackle ACEs, it is important to raise awareness and provide support at every level. Educating communities about the effects of childhood trauma, creating safer environments in schools, and offering mental health services can all make a difference. Strengthening child protection laws and helping families financially can reduce the chances of children facing these adversities.
Ultimately, addressing ACEs in Nigeria requires a team effort from the government, healthcare providers, educators, and community leaders. By creating safer and more supportive environments for children, everyone, acting in collaboration can help break the cycle of trauma and give children a better chance for a healthier, more successful future.
Published: February 16, 2025
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