The National Population Commission, yesterday, urged the federal and state governments to promulgate policies and legislation that would protect the teenage girl from physical violence and abuse.

The chairman of the commission, Chief Eze Duruiheoma in a press conference to commemorate the 2016 World Population Day presented by the Federal Commissioner representing Anambra state in National Population Commission, Prof Chika Moore.

The commission also called on governments at all levels to as a matter of urgency implement the child rights act with sanctions against violators.

Duruiheoma said: “Investing in the teenage girls through appropriate policies and legislations that will guarantee their living standard is therefore absolutely necessary.

“The promulgation of the child rights act is a good step in the right direction of protecting the Nigerian children including teenage girls from deep seated practices that stifle their growth into responsible adults.

Duruihuoma observed that no nation can lay claim to development until its teenagers have equal rights and opportunities to lead a healthy life and are free from culturally induced attitudes and negative practices that limit their capacities to make meaningful contributions to national development.