The Law and Practice of Adoption in Nigeria: Procedural Compliance and Child Welfare in Anambra State

Adoption in Nigeria is governed by a combination of the Child Rights Act of 2003, state-level legislation, and customary practices, creating a complex legal environment in which procedural compliance with child welfare principles varies considerably. Anambra State, in the South East geopolitical zone, has domesticated the Child Rights Act and established formal adoption procedures administered through the Ministry of Women Affairs. This research examines the law and practice of adoption in Anambra State, with specific focus on procedural compliance and outcomes for adopted children. A qualitative research approach was employed, drawing on interviews with social welfare officers, family court magistrates, and adoptive parents in Awka and Onitsha. Secondary data was sourced from court records, Ministry of Women Affairs administrative files, and academic literature from 2019 to 2024. The findings reveal significant gaps between formal statutory procedures and actual adoption practices, including instances of informal or customary adoptions that bypass mandatory welfare assessments and court approval. The research identifies inadequate post-adoption monitoring as a critical systemic weakness that leaves adopted children vulnerable to exploitation. Recommendations include mandatory training for adoption social workers, reform of court-based adoption procedures to reduce delays, and the introduction of a national adoption registry to improve oversight. This study contributes to child law and family law scholarship in South East Nigeria, offering practical insights for social welfare administration. Keywords: adoption law, child welfare, Anambra State, Child Rights Act, procedural compliance.