By Chukwudi Obasi, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Thursday drew a line in the sand against what he called the “endemic” scourge of sexual harassment, child labour, forced marriage, and gender-based inequality, declaring that “enough is enough.”
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Baiyewu, the Speaker said the House would deploy stronger legislative measures to safeguard Nigerian girls and hold perpetrators of abuse accountable.
He spoke in Abuja during an interactive session with schoolgirls to mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, themed “The Girl I Am, the Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis.”
“We will not take it anymore. We will do everything possible to ensure that sexual harassment of female students, particularly by lecturers and school authorities, becomes a thing of the past,” Abbas declared in the statement.
Abbas, a former teacher, lamented that sexual exploitation and child labour remain widespread despite existing laws, describing the situation as a national shame.
“Many girls are still being sent to work as domestic staff in the homes of the wealthy instead of being in school. Those children are denied access to education and opportunity. This must stop,” he said.
He argued that while campaigns had reduced incidences of early marriage, the number of girls trapped in menial servitude was still rising, adding that the National Assembly would push for stiffer penalties and tighter enforcement of child-protection laws.
According to the statement, the Speaker outlined fresh legislative initiatives aimed at dismantling gender barriers, including a bill to reserve parliamentary seats for women and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).
“If more women are in parliament, they will be better placed to advance policies that protect women and girls. Representation is the beginning of reform,” Abbas stated.
He pledged the House’s commitment to revisiting the Sexual Offences Act and ensuring the full domestication and enforcement of the Child’s Rights Act across all states.
During the “Girls’ Chat with the Speaker” event, young girls from public and private schools nationwide posed hard questions on gender inequality, safety in schools, sexual abuse, and child marriage.
Tioluwani Faparusi asked about the enforcement of the sexual-offences law; Sabiya Aminu Suleiman raised the issue of child marriage and paedophilia; while Sophia Ofure Onojetah demanded stronger representation of women in governance.
Abbas responded that although the National Assembly was strengthening the legal framework, the executive must step up enforcement and resource allocation for agencies protecting children and women.
The Speaker commended Nigerian girls for excelling academically—often outperforming boys—but expressed concern that cultural barriers and poverty continue to rob rural girls of opportunity.
“Girls in our cities are shining, but in many rural areas, they are still denied the right to education. We must bridge that gap if we want real progress,” he said.
