The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), in partnership with Care International, has called for increased funding to combat Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, WARDC’s acting Executive Director, Emmanuelle Azu, emphasized the importance of financial commitments and sustained advocacy to create a violence-free society. According to her, addressing SGBV effectively would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
The call for funding comes amidst debates surrounding the repeal and re-enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. Enacted in 2015, the VAPP Act prohibits all forms of violence against persons and provides protection for victims while ensuring offenders face justice. Azu stressed that while amendments to the Act may address certain gaps, they must be matched by increased funding to ensure impactful implementation. She proposed allocating 0.5% of the national tax revenue for awareness campaigns and enforcement mechanisms.
Concerns have been raised regarding the potential repeal of the VAPP Act, sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah, who argued that the current law contains flaws such as inadequate punishments and outdated references. Critics, however, warn that repealing the Act could roll back progress made in protecting women and girls from violence. Instead of a repeal, advocates are calling for amendments to strengthen the existing legislation while maintaining its critical protections.
Azu cautioned that repealing the VAPP Act would undermine tools currently used by law enforcement, courts, and support services to address gender-based violence. She noted that the Act has been pivotal in promoting gender equality and warned against what she described as patriarchal and misogynistic attempts to erode women’s rights. Such actions, she said, could weaken Nigeria’s progress in advancing human rights.
Other stakeholders, including human rights activist Abiola Akiyode, have criticized proposed amendments to the VAPP Act for failing to address fundamental issues like consent in rape cases. Akiyode argued that the amendments, while necessary, fall short of tackling the root causes of gender-based violence. She called for a more inclusive review process to ensure the legislation effectively addresses the needs of survivors and promotes justice.
The VAPP Act remains a cornerstone in Nigeria’s fight against gender-based violence, and advocates insist that increased funding and robust amendments are critical to sustaining its impact. Stakeholders have urged the government to prioritize gender equity, support survivors, and strengthen mechanisms for enforcing the Act to ensure a safer, more equitable society.
