Lawmakers in the House of Representatives have demanded immediate and collaborative measures to safeguard young Nigerian girls from child marriage and related harmful practices.
The call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by the member representing Kosofe Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Kafilat Ogbara, to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The annual observance, marked on October 11, seeks to renew commitments to ending child marriage and protecting the fundamental rights of every girl child.
Moving the motion, Ogbara expressed concern over the prevalence of child marriage and other harmful practices affecting girls, urging governments at all levels to strengthen programmes aimed at preventing early marriage and protecting vulnerable girls.
The lawmakers called on federal, state and local governments to ensure that every girl has access to education, healthcare, skills acquisition and opportunities to realise her full potential.
They stressed the need for coordinated efforts to safeguard girls’ rights and create an environment where they can develop and contribute meaningfully to national development.
What You Should Know
The House of Representatives is pushing for stronger government action at all levels to stop child marriage and ensure every young girl has access to proper education and healthcare.
- Positive Impact: Enhanced protection of fundamental rights for young girls, promoting better educational opportunities and brighter futures for vulnerable children.
- Potential Concerns: Enforcement challenges across different regions with deep-rooted cultural practices require sustained advocacy and community engagement to achieve real change.
