The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has revealed that more than 30,000 cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were officially reported in Nigeria between 2020 and 2024.
She made this disclosure on Tuesday during a knowledge-enhancing session on preventing GBV and improving access to justice. The event was jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice and UN Women, with funding support from the Ford Foundation.
Represented by Mrs. Adesuwa Ogundaye, Director of Legal Services in the Ministry, the Minister cited the Ministry’s Gender-Based Violence Data Situation Room Report, which states that one in every three Nigerian women has experienced some form of violence.
“This is not just about numbers; these cases represent shattered lives, broken dreams, and trauma that lasts generations,” the Minister said.
While praising the adoption of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015 in 35 states and the Child Rights Act of 2003 in 36 states, she expressed concern over the gap between the laws on paper and their actual enforcement.
“In many states, there is insufficient funding, weak enforcement, and low awareness to properly implement these laws,” she explained. “Survivors often face justice systems that are poorly equipped, insensitive, or simply out of reach.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged for a nationwide campaign to raise awareness, improve funding, and monitor these laws. She also stressed the need for training community leaders, religious and traditional institutions, law enforcement, and judicial officers to make the laws effective.
Furthermore, the Minister called for the creation of a National Social Protection Agency to address the complex needs of survivors and other vulnerable groups. This agency would coordinate emergency shelter, psychosocial support, healthcare, economic help, and legal aid to ensure no survivor is left behind.
The Minister’s call comes amid growing concerns about the rising cases of violence against women and the urgent need for a stronger, more coordinated response across Nigeria.