The International Federation of Women Lawyers in Nigeria has cautioned that deteriorating economic conditions are leaving large numbers of women and children dangerously exposed to exploitation, trafficking and abuse.

The body also pressed federal and state authorities to do more to free pupils and staff seized by terrorists in Oyo, Borno and elsewhere.

Speaking as the association opened its Second Quarter National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, Country Vice President Eliana Martins said spiraling inflation, joblessness and poverty were driving families into desperate measures with grave consequences for their rights.

She linked the squeeze to a rise in child labor, school dropouts, early marriage and gender based violence, arguing that the climbing cost of living was bearing down hard on households unable to afford food, schooling or medical care.

FIDA called for targeted social protection, broader food security schemes and tighter security around schools, alongside swift investigation and prosecution of offenders and full enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act.