Mairo Adamu Mani
The State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, relevant security agencies has been directed by the Niger State House of Assembly to immediately carry out a statewide verification and audit of all existing orphanages and motherless babies’ homes and publish a list of those legally recognized and found wanting.
This directive followed a Motion sponsored by Hon. Pharm. Umar Nasir (Paikoro) highlighting the alarming increase in unregistered and unregulated orphanages and motherless babies’ homes operating illegally across Niger State. These establishments pose a significant threat to child security and public safety.
The House noted that many of these homes function outside government regulatory agencies’ purview, do not adhere to child welfare protection standards, and serve as breeding grounds for criminal activities such as child trafficking, kidnapping, and exploitation.
The House unanimously adopted the following resolutions:
– Direct the Ministry of Women Affairs to establish a standardized and accessible licensing framework to regulate orphanages across the state.
– Review existing laws on child protection and recommend stiffer penalties for illegal operation of orphanages and involvement in child trafficking-related offenses.
– Direct the Ministry of Information and Local Government Authorities to conduct public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of patronizing unlicensed homes.
