Nigerian Government must Intensify Efforts to End GBV – ImpactHouse
By Ndifreke Enefiok, Uyo
ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication, a non-governmental organisation in Abuja, has urged the government at all levels and stakeholders to intensify efforts to end gender-based violence (GBV) as the world marked the 2024 Human Rights Day.
The call, which is also part of activities to mark the end of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV, emphasized the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to combat the pervasive issue of GBV in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Chinomso Momoh, Outreach and Communications Specialist, ImpactHouse stressed that GBV is a pressing human rights crisis, undermining the rights to life, dignity, and security guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and international conventions.
“As the world marks Human Rights Day and concludes the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), ImpactHouse Centre for Development Communication (ImpactHouse) urges immediate and comprehensive action to address the persistent and devastating impact of GBV in Nigeria.”
“GBV remains a critical human rights issue, violating the fundamental rights to life, dignity, freedom, and security enshrined in international conventions and the Nigerian Constitution,” the organisation stated.
ImpactHouse noted that despite legislative advances, such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Act, GBV survivors have continued to face challenges in their quest for justice due to inconsistent enforcement.
The organisation stressed that to address this gap, the government must move beyond legislation to implement solid measures that protect the fundamental rights to life, dignity, and freedom guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution and international conventions.
“Despite legislative advances like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Act, enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving countless survivors without justice or support,” the statement added.
Lamenting the high rate of GBV, ImpactHouse further noted, “The 2024 Womanity Index by Invictus Africa highlights that Lagos, Rivers, and Ekiti states have the highest prevalence of GBV, with domestic or intimate partner violence being the most common form. Even more concerning, 70 percent of GBV incidents occur within the home, and over 34 percent of survivors seek help from family members rather than law enforcement due to mistrust in the system.”
To ensure systemic change, John Andah, Executive Director of ImpactHouse, stressed that laws alone are insufficient to combat GBV in Nigeria.
“The government at all levels must move beyond legislation to action and accountability,” Andah stated, urging state governments to enact and implement the VAPP Act, establish dedicated courts for GBV cases, and strengthen legal aid services.
The organisation called for increased funding by the National Assembly and state legislatures to support shelters, crisis hotlines, and sexual assault referral centers, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
ImpactHouse also recommended mandatory survivor-centered training for law enforcement and judicial officials to eliminate bias and improve case handling.
Public awareness campaigns are critical in breaking the cycle of violence, ImpactHouse noted, urging the National Orientation Agency to spearhead nationwide initiatives that address harmful cultural norms, patriarchal practices, and GBV stigma.