A Bill for an Act to criminalize child abandonment in Nigeria has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Mr Sergius Ogun, the Bill seeks to impose sanction on any parent who abandons a new born child and absconds after birth.
Mr Sergius Ogun, explained that the Bill proposes a fine of two hundred thousand naira or imprisonment for six months or both on anybody who violated the act when passed into law.
Contribution during a debate on the matter, a member from Delta State Mr Nicholas Ossai, stressed that while it is the duty of parents to cater for a child, government also has a duty to complement in enhancing the rights of children.
After the debate, the Bill was referred to the house committee on women affairs for further legislative consideration.