In a landmark move to protect children and strengthen Nigeria’s legal system against s€xual abuse, the Nigerian Senate has passed a bill prescribing life imprisonment for anyone convicted of engaging in s€xual intercourse with a minor (child).
According to the newly passed legislation, offenders will face life imprisonment with no option of a fine, marking one of the toughest child protection laws in Nigeria’s history.
Lawmakers described the bill as a crucial step toward ending child exploitation and abuse, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes.
“This is about protecting the innocence of our children,” one senator said during the heated plenary session. “The Senate has drawn a clear line — child abuse will no longer be tolerated.”
The new law is expected to serve as a strong deterrent to potential offenders and will likely reshape how Nigeria handles cases of child s€xual assault in the judicial system.