Stakeholders have raised alarm over the weak and inconsistent implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Act across Nigeria, warning that poor enforcement continues to leave survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) without justice.
The concerns were voiced in Abuja during the 30th anniversary of Gender and Development Action (GADA), alongside a workshop focused on strengthening accountability and prevention of GBV.
Participants—including civil society groups, policymakers, and development partners—called for better understanding and application of the VAPP Act, especially among law enforcement officers and judicial actors.
Executive Director of BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women, Priscilla Ikos Usiobaifo, noted that GBV remains more prevalent in rural areas, where limited awareness of human rights hinders victims from seeking justice.
While awareness campaigns are gradually empowering communities, she stressed that weak institutional response continues to undermine progress.
She urged authorities to ensure prompt investigations and diligent prosecution of cases, highlighting the role of civil society in providing legal and psychosocial support to survivors.
Usiobaifo also expressed concern that, despite the domestication of the VAPP Act in several states, many GBV cases are still being prosecuted under outdated laws.
Founder of GADA and former Nigerian Ambassador, Nkoyo Toyo, acknowledged progress made over the past three decades but warned that fragile institutions and evolving social norms continue to create gaps in implementation.
Stakeholders unanimously called for stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure the VAPP Act fulfills its purpose of protecting vulnerable individuals and delivering justice to survivors.