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

Abstract

The Nigerian Government has enacted laws and taken othermeasures to promote and protect rights of Nigerian children. Thisarticle reflects on the socio-legal conundrum of male genitalmutilation or cutting (MGM/C) in Nigeria. The researchmethodology adopted is mainly doctrinal analysis of applicableprimary and secondary sources. The author is of the view that thepractice of MGM/C of a male child which inflicts agonising painson him is barbaric, criminal, amoral, undemocratic,unconstitutional, unlawful and contrary to international humanrights ' norms or treaties. It is concluded that for the scourge ofMGM/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 formedical 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, Femalegenital mutilation or cutting, Child ' s Rights