Nigeria faces a deeply rooted crisis of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), fuelled by societal norms, weak laws, and impunity. While reported cases are rising, many go unreported, impacting women and girls nationwide and escalating in conflict zones. A newly launched investigative guide aims to improve the justice system’s response, but systemic challenges remain. ROLAND OGBONNAYA writes on the complexities of SGBV in Nigeria, from patriarchal structures and limited access to justice, to the progress and gaps in legal frameworks.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is grappling with a deeply entrenched crisis of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). While the issue isn’t new, a confluence of factors – including socio-cultural norms, weak legal frameworks, and a pervasive culture of impunity – has led to a surge in reported cases, and a far greater number that go unreported. From the horrific stories emerging from the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which highlighted police brutality and sexual assault, to the daily realities faced by women and girls across the country, the scale of the problem demands urgent and comprehensive action. This article will explore the complexities of SGBV in Nigeria, examine the challenges to addressing it, and outline potential pathways towards a more just and safe future, particularly in light of the recent launch of a new investigative guide aimed at bolstering the justice system’s response.
SGBV in Nigeria manifests in a multitude of forms. Rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, harmful traditional practices like female genital mutilation (FGM), and sexual exploitation are all tragically common. The statistics, while likely underestimates due to underreporting, are alarming. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that one in three women in Nigeria have experienced physical or sexual violence. Conflict zones, such as the North-East, ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency, witness particularly egregious levels of sexual violence used as a weapon of war.
“The conflict has created a breeding ground for sexual violence,” explains Dr Fatima Akilu, a psychiatrist and founder of the Neem Foundation, a Nigerian NGO working with victims of trauma. “Displacement, breakdown of social structures, and the sheer brutality of the conflict have led to a dramatic increase in these crimes. Women and girls are often targeted as a means of control and humiliation.”
Several factors contribute to the prevalence of SGBV. Patriarchal societal norms, deeply ingrained in many Nigerian communities, often justify violence against women and girls, viewing them as subordinate and lacking agency. Traditional beliefs can also protect perpetrators, with victims often facing stigma and blame rather than support. Economic vulnerability exacerbates the problem, making women and girls more susceptible to exploitation and abuse, particularly in situations of displacement or poverty.
Furthermore, a lack of access to education, particularly for girls, contributes to a cycle of vulnerability. Without education, women are less likely to be aware of their rights, less economically independent, and more reliant on male figures, increasing their risk of abuse.
The recent launch of the “Quick Reference Guide for Investigating Sexual Assault” represents a significant, albeit incremental, step forward. As UNODC Country Representative Cheikh Toure stated at the launch event, the guide is “a critical step forward in addressing gaps in the investigation and prosecution of sexual violence cases.” The guide aims to provide frontline responders – police, medical personnel, and legal professionals – with practical, field-based direction, from initial reporting to case file preparation, and crucially, outlines referral pathways for survivors.
Hon. Justice Obiora Egwuatu, also speaking at the launch, underscored the importance of the guide in addressing systemic weaknesses. “We have identified several barriers to addressing SGBV effectively, including a culture of silence, stigma, weak reporting systems, and poor evidence management,” he noted. “This guide is designed to help overcome these challenges.”
A key focus of the guide, as highlighted by Toure, is the proper handling of forensic evidence. “Poorly collected or mishandled evidence continues to undermine cases, allowing perpetrators to evade justice,” he warned. The initiative is coupled with efforts to strengthen forensic infrastructure, including upgrades to sexual assault referral centres and laboratory capacity.
However, stakeholders acknowledge that a guide alone is not enough. “The guide is a valuable resource, but it’s only as good as the people who use it,” says Barrister Funmi Falana, a leading human rights lawyer and advocate for survivors of SGBV. “We need sustained training, adequate funding, and a genuine commitment from all stakeholders to ensure that it is effectively implemented.”
Nigeria’s legal framework regarding SGBV has seen some progress in recent years, but significant gaps remain. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) of 2015, a landmark piece of legislation, criminalises various forms of violence, including rape, sexual harassment, harmful traditional practices, and domestic violence. However, its implementation is uneven.
A major hurdle is that the VAPP Act has not been adopted by all 36 states of Nigeria. As of late 2023, only around half have enacted similar legislation at the state level, creating a patchwork of legal protections across the country. This inconsistency means that victims in states without VAPP-like laws may have limited legal recourse.
“The lack of harmonisation across states is a major problem,” explains Barrister Falana. “It creates confusion and allows perpetrators to exploit loopholes in the system. We need a national framework that provides consistent protection for all survivors, regardless of where they are in the country.”
Even where the VAPP Act is in place, enforcement remains a significant challenge. Police often lack the training and resources to properly investigate SGBV cases, and courts are frequently overburdened, leading to lengthy delays and low conviction rates. The burden of proof, often resting heavily on the victim, can be incredibly difficult to meet, particularly in the absence of forensic evidence or corroborating witnesses.
The low reporting rates of SGBV in Nigeria are a testament to the numerous barriers victims face. Stigma and fear of victim-blaming are major deterrents. Many victims fear social ostracism, rejection by their families, and damage to their reputation.
Lack of trust in the justice system is another significant obstacle. Victims often perceive the police and courts as biased, corrupt, or ineffective. They may fear that reporting will lead to further harassment or even retaliation from the perpetrator.
Access to essential services, such as medical care, psychosocial support, and legal aid, is also limited, particularly in rural areas. Many victims are unaware of their rights or where to seek help. Even when services are available, they may be inaccessible due to financial constraints, geographical distance, or cultural barriers.
The issue of ‘settlement’ – where families pressure victims to drop charges in exchange for financial compensation or a marriage proposal – further undermines the pursuit of justice. This practice perpetuates impunity and reinforces the notion that SGBV is a private matter to be resolved within the family, rather than a criminal offence. “Settlement is a deeply harmful practice that must be eradicated,” asserts Dr. Akilu. “It sends the message that violence is acceptable and that victims are not worthy of justice.”
Tackling SGBV in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of the problem and strengthens the response system. Key areas for intervention include:
Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Advocacy efforts must focus on ensuring the adoption of VAPP-like laws in all states of Nigeria. Existing laws need to be reviewed and amended to address gaps and ensure they are aligned with international standards.
Improving Law Enforcement and Judicial Capacity: Investing in training for police officers, prosecutors, and judges on SGBV investigation, prosecution, and victim support is crucial. Specialised SGBV units within the police force should be established and adequately resourced. Courts need to be streamlined to expedite cases and reduce backlogs.
Raising Awareness and Challenging Harmful Norms: Public awareness campaigns are needed to challenge patriarchal attitudes, promote gender equality, and educate the public about SGBV. These campaigns should target all segments of society, including men and boys, and utilise culturally appropriate messaging.
Expanding Access to Services: Increasing the availability of accessible and affordable medical care, psychosocial support, and legal aid for SGBV survivors is essential. This includes establishing safe houses, hotlines, and referral pathways.
Empowering Women and Girls: Investing in education, economic empowerment, and leadership opportunities for women and girls is critical to reducing their vulnerability to SGBV.
Strengthening Civil Society: Supporting the work of civil society organisations (CSOs) that are working on SGBV prevention and response is vital. CSOs play a crucial role in providing services, advocating for policy change, and raising awareness.
Addressing Impunity: Ensuring that perpetrators of SGBV are held accountable for their actions is paramount. This requires strengthening the justice system, combating corruption, and challenging the culture of impunity.
The launch of the investigative guide is a welcome development, but it is merely one piece of a much larger puzzle. The fight against sexual violence in Nigeria is a long and arduous one. It requires a fundamental shift in societal attitudes, a strengthening of legal frameworks, and a commitment to ensuring that victims receive the support and justice they deserve. As Justice Egwuatu powerfully stated, “We must break the silence, believe survivors, and ensure that justice is not denied.”
Only through sustained collaboration, increased investment, and a collective determination to challenge the status quo can Nigeria hope to dismantle the structures that perpetuate SGBV and create a safer and more equitable future for all its citizens. The shadow of violence must be lifted, replaced by a beacon of hope and justice.
