The Nigerian Senate has called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency regarding the protection and welfare of the girl-child, citing critical concerns over the health, education, and safety of young girls across the country. The resolution came after Senator Ireti Kingibe presented a motion highlighting the alarming challenges faced by Nigerian girls, particularly the issues of early marriage, access to education, and harmful traditional practices.
During the Senate session, Kingibe stressed the dire consequences of child marriage, pointing to statistics from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which reveal that over 44 percent of girls in Nigeria are married before the age of 18. The situation is even more concerning in northern states like Zamfara, Bauchi, and Sokoto, where child marriage rates are among the highest in the country. According to Kingibe, “The future of Nigerian girls is at risk unless urgent measures are taken.”
The Senate also urged all state governments to adopt and rigorously enforce the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, with a particular focus on eliminating harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM). Despite Nigeria being a signatory to international conventions aimed at protecting children’s rights, these practices continue to thrive in certain regions, exacerbating the vulnerabilities of young girls.
With the International Day of the Girl Child just two days away, the timing of the Senate’s call to action is critical. Lawmakers emphasized that protecting the girl-child is not only a moral obligation but also essential for Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. Senator Kingibe emphasized, “If we continue to neglect the rights and well-being of our girls, we are depriving Nigeria of its future leaders, professionals, and innovators.”
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The motion received widespread support from other Senators, many of whom echoed Kingibe’s concerns. They highlighted the urgent need for the government to allocate more resources toward addressing issues of girl-child education, healthcare, and protection from abuse. The lack of enforcement of existing laws was noted as a significant barrier to progress in ensuring girls’ rights are upheld.
In a rare show of bipartisan unity, lawmakers across the political spectrum pledged to work together to combat the injustices facing Nigerian girls. Many advocated for a nationwide awareness campaign to inform communities about the dangers of child marriage and FGM, as well as the benefits of educating and empowering young girls.
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