The Senate has called on state governments that have yet to domesticate the Child Rights Act to do so, emphasising the need to eradicate harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation.
The call is coming ahead of the International Day of the Girl-Child on Friday.
On Wednesday, at the plenary, the Senate also urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency for the protection and welfare of the girl-child across the country.
According to the United Nations calendar, the International Day of the Girl Child is marked every October 11.
In addition, the Senate mandated its committee on legislative compliance to monitor the implementation of laws and policies that protect the girl-child.
These resolutions followed a motion sponsored by Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP, FCT), titled “The Plight of the Nigerian Girl-Child and the Need for Urgent Intervention by the Federal Government to Save the Future of Our Girls.”
Senator Kingibe, in her motion, lamented that Nigeria has over 10 million out-of-school children, with the girl-child disproportionately affected.
According to her, “Based on the 2020 UNICEF report, girls constitute over 60% of the out-of-school population, a problem that is exacerbated by cultural barriers, insecurity, and economic disadvantages, especially in rural and conflict-affected areas.”
She further highlighted the rise in gender-based violence, stating, “Gender-based violence, including rape, child trafficking, and physical abuse, continues to rise across Nigeria, with numerous incidents reported in all six geopolitical zones, often with minimal legal recourse or protection for the victims, leaving girls vulnerable, stigmatized, and unsupported.”
Kingibe also expressed concern over the prevalence of child marriage in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions.
“According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, over 44% of girls are married before the age of 18, with high percentages in states like Zamfara, Bauchi, and Sokoto. Child marriage deprives girls of their right to education, health, and a safe childhood, trapping them in cycles of poverty and oppression.”
She stressed that each of the six geopolitical zones faces distinct but equally pressing challenges concerning the girl-child, citing real-life scenarios to underscore the urgency of the situation.
“Government at all levels must, as provided for by Section 17(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ensure that children have equal access to educational opportunities and that the state must protect the vulnerable from exploitation and abuse,” she emphasised.
