The Rivers State Government has announced its resolve to enact stringent legislation aimed at dismantling “baby factories” and curbing unwholesome practices within orphanages and care homes across the state.
This disclosure was made by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, during a strategic meeting with officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Rivers State Command, in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Dr. Anabraba, while addressing the delegation led by the Assistant Director of Intelligence, Barr. Ikediashi Nwamaka, expressed deep concern over reports of child trafficking and the exploitation of underage girls in facilities masquerading as care homes.
Read Also: Diri Urges Correctional Service to Prioritise Inmates’ Welfare
He highlighted that the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara is particularly worried about the lack of regulation surrounding surrogacy and the operation of certain orphanages that facilitate the abuse of vulnerable persons.
“The government is concerned about the activities of orphanages and care homes involved in unwholesome practices such as child trafficking, abuse of underaged girls also known as baby factories and the lack of regulations on surrogacy,” Dr. Anabraba stated.
To address these challenges, the SSG assured the agency that the State Government has already set plans in motion to introduce robust legislation. This legal framework is designed to regulate these sectors effectively and ensure the protection of women and children from exploitation.
Dr. Anabraba commended NAPTIP for its relentless efforts in combating human trafficking and pledged the state government’s continued partnership in safeguarding the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society.
Dr. Anabraba commended NAPTIP for its relentless efforts in combating human trafficking and pledged the state government’s continued partnership in safeguarding the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society.
Earlier in her remarks, Barr. Ikediashi Nwamaka noted the agency’s commitment to intelligence sharing and collaboration with the state to curb the menace of trafficking.
This legislative push aligns with the broader welfare agenda of the Fubara administration, which also recently emphasized its commitment to educational development and youth empowerment.
