The Nigerian Senate on October 21, 2025, passed a bill mandating life imprisonment without fines for anyone convicted of sexually abusing a child under 18, amending the Criminal Code Act, Penal Code Act, and Child Rights Act to standardize penalties nationwide.

The legislation, proposed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and escalated to life terms by Senator Adamu Aliero, addresses rising child abuse cases and regional inconsistencies in enforcement.