The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the protection and welfare of the girl-child, in a bid to address the pressing educational, health, and safety needs of girls nationwide.
During a motion raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe on Wednesday, the upper chamber urged state governments to domesticate and enforce the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, particularly focusing on eliminating harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation.
Senator Kingibe expressed concern over the high prevalence of child marriage in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions, citing data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which revealed that over 44% of girls are married before the age of 18.
States like Zamfara, Bauchi, and Sokoto reported some of the highest rates of child marriage.
The motion received a large number support from other senators, coming just two days before the International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated annually on October 11.
The Senate’s resolution highlights the urgency of safeguarding the future of Nigerian girls from harmful practices and promoting their education and welfare.
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