Nigerian Senate directs Committee on legislative compliance to monitor implementation of girl-child protection laws, policies.

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Senate at plenary has directed its Committee on Legislative Compliance to monitor the implementation of girl-child protection laws and policies.

It also urged the committee to ensure that gaps in the implementation of the laws are addressed, and accountability of the process maintained.

This is sequel to adoption of a motion on the plight of the Nigerian Girl-Child: need for urgent intervention by the Federal Government of Nigeria to save the future of our girls.

The sponsor of the motion senator Ireti Kingibe said the Nigerian girl-child was being subjected to numerous social, cultural, and economic challenges.

This, she said was severely limiting her opportunities for growth, development, and contribution to society.

She listed some of the challenges to include denial of education, gender-based violence, and poor healthcare access among others.

He said Nigeria has over 10 million out-of-school children, with the girl-child disproportionate affected.

According to her, a 2020 UNICEF report, indicates that girls constitute over 60 per cent of the out-of-school population.

She said the problem was increased by cultural barriers, insecurity, and economic disadvantages, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.

The labour party lawmaker
expressed concern that gender-based violence, including rape, child trafficking, and physical abuse, continues to rise across Nigeria

According to her, numerous incidents has been reported in all six geopolitical zones, often with minimal legal protection for the victims.

This, he said had leftr the girls vulnerable, stigmatized, and unsupported.

She said that section 17(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended mandates the government to ensure that children have equal access to educational opportunities and protect them from exploitation and abuse.

She said the continued marginalisation of the Nigerian girl-child threatens the future development of the country, adding that it deprives half of the population of their right to education, health, and economic empowerment.

She said the World Bank had noted that investing in girls’ education was key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and lifting families out of poverty.

She said the future of Nigeria was directly tied to the empowerment of the girl-child, saying that urgent action was required from all levels of government to address the systemic challenges.

Senate in its further resolution on the motion
urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare a state of emergency on the protection and welfare of the girl-child.

This , it said was to address the educational, health, and safety needs of girls across the country.

It also encourage state governments to domesticate and enforce the Child Rights Act and the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act.

This Senate said should focus on eradicating harmful traditional practices against the girl child, while ensuring girls’ protection and empowerment