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Worried about the high rate of prostitution trafficking, especially among underage girls, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, has barred hotels from accommodating minors.
The minister said the ban aims to prevent human trafficking, particularly of young Nigerian girls, as part of a broader effort to combat the problem.
She spoke at the ‘Unlock Training and Grants’ event in Abuja on Saturday.
Persecondnews reports that the move followed the recent rescue of more than 10 teenage girls from prostitution in Ghana.
The victims, comprising eight from Imo State and two from Bayelsa State, were allegedly lured into prostitution.
Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), expressed appreciation to Mr. Callistus Elozieuwa, the Chairman of the Ghana Board of Trustees, and the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana for their collaborative efforts in ensuring the rescue and well-being of the 10 trafficked Nigerian girls.
Kennedy-Ohaneye directed hoteliers to display a clear “No Lodging of Underage Girls” sign at their establishments to deter such activities and warned that violators would face serious sanctions.
The minister also issued a stern warning to school proprietors nationwide, prohibiting bullying in schools, whether by teachers or students, and emphasizing the need for a safe and supportive learning environment.
She said: “Women have been suffering in this country. Today, we have talked about allowing the poor to breathe in this country.
“Meanwhile, I am sure you saw the video circulating about our girls being taken to Ghana. Did you see it? Very good. Action will start on Monday.
“You will hear about our action first thing on Monday morning. That is the first I am going to approach and see what we can do about it.
“Nigeria must be better. From June 20th, we have directed hotels to put a sign outside from the Ministry of Women: ‘No lodging of underage girls.’
“Otherwise, what happened in Niger State will be an understatement of what will happen in the FCT, and I mean it. No more lodging for underage girls, and no more bullying in schools.”
She said her ministry was committed to averting unnecessary loss of life in Nigeria.
She stated that henceforth, hospitals will no longer be able to turn away patients in emergency situations, ensuring that everyone receives timely medical attention.
“And our hospitals will also put a sign of ‘No more rejection of emergency patients’. These are some of the major issues we have in this country.”
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