Abuja: The Federal Government has announced plans to establish dedicated safe spaces in all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the country to enhance protection and support services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). This initiative was revealed by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ministry and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the agreement, signed in partnership with the New Era Foundation, seeks to bolster protection, rehabilitation, and support services for GBV survivors nationwide. Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that this initiative aligns with the National Action Plan on GBV, which aims to enhance access to care, protection, and justice for survivors. A significant aspect of the plan is the strategic establishment of safe spaces in all LGAs to decentralize immediate care and protection.
The minister highlighted that the centres would provide survivors with immediate support, referral services, and protection closer to their communities. Additionally, the government is working towards creating regional mega-protection centres to offer integrated services, including medical, legal, psychosocial, and rehabilitation support under one roof.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim further announced the deployment of mobile support teams through the Women on Wheels initiative to extend services to underserved communities. These teams will provide trauma-informed care, psychosocial support, and essential services to women and girls in need. The minister expressed concern over the rising cases of GBV, reporting 2,755 documented incidents of gender-based and intimate partner violence between January and April 2026, averaging about 23 reported cases daily.
Highlighting the need for stronger protection and accountability mechanisms, Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that only four per cent of formally reported cases had resulted in successful prosecution. She pointed out that women and girls constitute over 81 per cent of documented survivors, with sexual violence accounting for 82 per cent of recorded cases. The partnership with NPHCDA and New Era Foundation is seen as a practical intervention supporting the broader GBV protection framework.
Dr Muyi Aina, Chief Executive Officer of NPHCDA, described GBV as a significant public health and human rights challenge. Aina noted that survivors often endure physical injuries, psychological trauma, and long-term social consequences. He emphasized the collaboration’s role in integrating health, social welfare, and community support systems to address GBV.
Mrs Patricia Otuedon-Arawore, Trustee of the New Era Foundation, announced that the foundation’s Patients’ Home in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, would serve as a rehabilitation centre for survivors. Originally established to support vulnerable women through temporary shelter and empowerment opportunities, the facility is now being repositioned to offer safety, recovery, and hope to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, remarked that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing challenges faced by vulnerable women and girls. She stressed the importance of collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and civil society organisations in strengthening protection systems. Stakeholders have pledged to enhance access to protection, rehabilitation, and justice services for survivors and vulnerable groups nationwide.