The Senate has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the protection and welfare of the girl-child, addressing the educational, health, and safety needs of girls across Nigeria.
This call followed a motion raised by Senator Ireti Kingibe, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to secure the future of Nigerian girls.
Kingibe expressed concern over the continued prevalence of child marriage in Nigeria, with alarming statistics in northern states.
Citing the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), she noted that over 44 percent of girls are married before the age of 18, with high rates in Zamfara, Bauchi, and Sokoto.
The Senate also urged state governments to domesticate and enforce the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, focusing on eradicating harmful practices such as female genital mutilation.
The motion received widespread support from senators, just days ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, observed on October 11.