The Socio-Legal Conundrum of Male Genital Mutilation or Cutting in Nigeria- A Reflection

Abstract

The Nigerian Government has enacted laws and taken other
measures to promote and protect rights of Nigerian children. This
article reflects on the socio-legal conundrum of male genital
mutilation or cutting (MGM/C) in Nigeria. The research
methodology adopted is mainly doctrinal analysis of applicable
primary and secondary sources. The author is of the view that the
practice of MGM/C of a male child which inflicts agonising pains
on him is barbaric, criminal, amoral, undemocratic,
unconstitutional, unlawful and contrary to international human
rights ' norms or treaties. It is concluded that for the scourge of
MGM/C of a male child in the country to be effectively addressed,
the Nigerian Government must, among other recommendations,
work towards the ban of MGM/C of a male child, except for
medical indication in line with the approach in other countries,
including the United States of America (USA) and Iceland.

Keywords: Child, Male genital mutilation or cutting, Female
genital mutilation or cutting, Child ' s Rights