The Federal Government, FG, says it will sanction hoteliers in the country that allow lodging of teenagers and underage girls in their facilities.
Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, made this known on Saturday at the ‘Unlock Training and Grants’ ceremony in Abuja.
Kennedy-Ohanenye vowed that it would no longer be business as usual for hotel owners.
To further depict the seriousness of the Federal Government, the minister disclosed that hoteliers, especially in the Federal Capital Territory, have been directed to mount a signpost outside their hotels warning prospective clients not to lodge any underage girls in their premises.
She also extended the riot acts to proprietors of schools across the country, warning that they should ensure no student is allowed to be bullied by either teachers or students.
She said, “Nigeria must be better. From 20th (June), 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 of underage girls and no more bullying in schools.”
Speaking further, the minister said Nigerian government has commenced a probe into the distasteful viral clip of 10 Nigerian teenagers who were rescued from neighbòuring Ghana where they were trafficked for prostitution.
It was gathered that three of the victims, ages between 15 and 16, were said to be from the same parents.
They were reportedly beaten, molested and forced into prostitution without pay.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, however, promised that the government would take decisive action on the matter next Monday.