The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has announced plans to develop a sexual harassment policy aimed at strengthening the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by Mrs. Ngozi Okorie, Director of the Commission’s Women and Children Department, during a courtesy visit by the National Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to End Child Marriage in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (OFR, SAN), Mrs. Okorie emphasized that the proposed policy will complement existing laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, and provide a stronger framework to combat child marriage.
She highlighted the severe impact of child marriage on victims, including health complications such as Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), as many child brides are not biologically or physiologically mature. She also noted that the practice often leads to prolonged adolescent syndrome, which hinders stable marital relationships.
Also speaking, Mrs. Pwadumdi Oko, Deputy Director of Legal Services and Enforcement, urged the coalition to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to outline specific areas of collaboration with the Commission.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Olorunfemi Olusegun, said the coalition was seeking strategic partnership with the NHRC to safeguard the rights and future of Nigerian girls. He described child marriage as a human rights crisis that robs girls of education, health, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
