The call was made during a multi-sectoral engagement workshop held in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, which brought together law enforcement officials, judicial actors, NGOs, religious leaders, and government agencies. The focus was on enhancing survivor-centred responses and improving justice system interventions against FGM.

Despite the existence of laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Law, FGM remains prevalent in several parts of Nigeria. UNICEF reports that the country ranks third globally in the number of women and girls who have undergone the practice.

A representative of the Oyo State Ministry of Information described the engagement as timely, highlighting challenges such as low reporting, poor enforcement, and weak inter-agency collaboration. He commended UNICEF for convening key stakeholders to address enforcement gaps and improve case documentation, survivor protection, and offender prosecution.

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UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Denis Onoise outlined the four types of FGM and stressed the need for stronger legal enforcement, increased funding for anti-FGM programs, and greater involvement of traditional and male-led advocacy groups.

The Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative also called for the establishment of specialised courts to handle gender-based violence, including FGM.

Stakeholders agreed that eliminating FGM by 2030 will require urgent, coordinated action and a significant scale-up of current efforts.

Source: Punch