By Milcah Tanimu

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has strongly cautioned Nigerians against the employment of underage housemaids, citing legal repercussions for such actions.

Hassan Tahir, the agency’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, emphasized the unlawfulness of engaging children as domestic workers during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. He highlighted instances where employers of domestic workers subject them to mistreatment, including inflicting injuries.

Tahir referenced Section 23 of the Trafficking in Persons Act (TIP), which explicitly prohibits the employment of children as domestic workers, declaring it a punishable offense. According to the Act, any individual found guilty of employing, requesting, recruiting, transporting, harboring, receiving, or hiring out a child for domestic work could face imprisonment for a minimum term of six months, extending up to seven years.

While acknowledging the need for domestic assistance, Tahir stressed the importance of fair treatment for housemaids. He outlined specific guidelines, including providing equal living conditions and educational opportunities for domestic workers, such as sharing the same room and attending the same school as the employer’s children.

Furthermore, Tahir warned against any form of abuse or violation of the rights of domestic workers, emphasizing that NAPTIP would take appropriate action against offenders. He urged employers to uphold the dignity and well-being of housemaids and refrain from any actions that could compromise their rights or safety.