Monitor Implementation Of Girl-child Protection Laws – Senate Directs Committee

The 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 and the need for urgent intervention by the Federal Government of Nigeria to save the future of young 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 their 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 have been reported in all six geopolitical zones, often with minimal legal protection for the victims.

This, she said had left the girls vulnerable, stigmatized, and unsupported.

James Itodo, Edited By Grace Namiji