PARENTAL NEGLIGENCE IN NIGERIA: A LEGAL EXAMINATION OF DUTY, BREACH, AND LIABILITY

Abstract

The family remains the foundational unit of society, with parents bearing the primary legal and moral
obligation to nurture, protect, and provide for their children. In Nigeria, parental negligence has
emerged as a pressing socio-legal issue, manifesting in various forms such as abandonment, lack of
supervision, failure to provide education, and exposure to harm. While legal frameworks exist to
define parental duties and prescribe consequences for breaches, enforcement gaps and societal
complexities often hinder effective accountability. This research critically examined parental
negligence in Nigeria, exploring the legal principles governing duty, breach, and liability. The paper
interrogated whether existing laws sufficiently deter negligence or require reform to enhance child
protection. Findings revealed that while Nigeria's legal framework acknowledges parental
responsibility, enforcement inconsistencies and socio-economic challenges undermine its efficacy.
The study recommends strengthening legal mechanisms, enhancing public awareness,
institutionalizing stricter enforcement protocols, and fostering inter-agency collaboration to ensure
that children’s rights and welfare remain paramount within the legal and social order.