The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to giving prompt attention to all human rights complaints, particularly those affecting women and children, due to their vulnerability in society.
The assurance was given by the Director of Women and Children Department at the NHRC, Mrs. Ngozi Okorie, during a courtesy visit by the National Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to End Child Marriage in Nigeria. She reiterated the Commission’s continued efforts to protect children’s rights and address issues surrounding child marriage and related abuses.
Mrs. Okorie, who received the delegation on behalf of the NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, described child marriage as a grave human rights violation that must be tackled decisively by all stakeholders. She noted that victims of child marriage often suffer severe consequences such as Extended Adolescent Syndrome (EAS) and Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), due to their physiological and biological immaturity.
She also informed the visiting team about the Commission’s toll-free short code, 6472, a public reporting channel for human rights abuses, including Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).
Okorie further highlighted that the Commission, with support from the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, had in 2019 set up a Special Independent Investigative Panel on SGBV which handled complaints across all six geopolitical zones of the country.
She revealed plans by the NHRC to develop a sexual harassment policy to complement existing legislation, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, in tackling SGBV holistically.
Also speaking during the visit, the Deputy Director of Legal Services and Enforcement Department, Mrs. Pwadumdi Oko, advised the Coalition to propose a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to outline areas of collaboration with the Commission. She emphasized the importance of structured partnerships in sustaining long-term advocacy and intervention efforts.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Olorunfemi Olusegun, said the Coalition sought the NHRC’s partnership in their mission to safeguard the rights and future of the Nigerian girl-child. He described child marriage as a human rights emergency that robs girls of their education, health, and full potential.
He noted that the Coalition is working across various states to engage traditional and religious leaders, lawmakers, and government institutions to eliminate the practice and enforce child protection laws. Olusegun expressed optimism that with the support of institutions like the NHRC, Nigeria could make significant strides toward ending child marriage.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing commitment to sustained engagement, capacity building, and policy advocacy aimed at ensuring that every Nigerian child, particularly the girl-child, is protected from harmful practices and given a chance to thrive.
