Speaker Abbas Calls for End to Child Labour, Gender Inequality, Forced Marriage
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has urged government agencies and stakeholders to take decisive steps to eliminate child labour, gender inequality, sexual harassment, forced marriage, and other forms of discrimination against girls and women in Nigeria.
Tajudeen made the call on Thursday in Abuja during an interactive session with schoolgirls held to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child. This year’s event was themed “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
The Speaker, who has been a consistent advocate for gender equality, reaffirmed the House’s commitment to promoting legislation that protects the rights and welfare of women and girls.
“My major concern is girl and child labour, which is still endemic in this country,” he said. “A lot of girls, instead of going to school, are being sent to work in the homes of the rich and well-to-do. This is an area where the National Assembly and the government must pay extra attention.”
Tajudeen noted that although awareness campaigns have reduced the prevalence of child marriage, the issue of child labour remains a serious threat to education and national development. He therefore called for stronger collaboration between the legislature and the executive to tackle the problem and protect vulnerable children.
He also commended the rising academic performance of Nigerian girls, describing it as evidence of the positive impact of past advocacy efforts.
“I see results from tertiary institutions and even primary schools, where almost everywhere you go, the girls are at the top,” the Speaker said.
On women’s political participation, Tajudeen revealed that the House is currently considering a bill that seeks to reserve seats for women and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) to ensure fair representation in governance.
Speaking on the issue of sexual harassment in schools, the Speaker—who once worked as a teacher—condemned the abuse of female students by lecturers and school authorities. He warned that the House would not tolerate such behaviour and pledged support for nationwide campaigns aimed at ending sexual exploitation and enforcing existing laws on gender-based violence.
The interactive session featured 10 schoolgirls selected through an online poll conducted by the Speaker’s Office in collaboration with Gender Mobile Initiative, a non-governmental organisation advocating for the protection of girls and women.
The students asked questions on issues including sexual harassment, child marriage, the enforcement of the Child Rights Act, and school security.
Executive Lead of Gender Mobile Initiative, Omowumi Ogunrotimi, said the girls represented the voices of millions of others across Nigeria who continue to face challenges such as discrimination, insecurity, and limited access to education.
In response, Speaker Tajudeen assured that while the executive arm is responsible for enforcing laws, the legislature remains committed to creating policies that protect the rights and dignity of every Nigerian.
