Abuja: FAB Treasure Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has called on the government to enhance the enforcement of laws addressing crimes against humanity, aiming to curb the escalating incidence of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) across Nigeria. Miss Festus Abigail, the Executive Director of the foundation, expressed her concerns during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), emphasizing the need for stronger legal measures to address the rising cases nationwide.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abigail highlighted the importance of enforcing existing laws such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. She stressed that SGBV is one of Nigeria’s most pressing social and human rights challenges and urged the government to take it seriously. Abigail expressed particular concern for the girl child, acknowledging the normalization, underreporting, and inadequate response to cases of violence against women and girls.
Abigail noted that perpetrators are often individuals within the victims’ circles of trust, such as relatives, partners, neighbors, teachers, religious leaders, and authority figures. She emphasized that gender-based violence is not solely an issue of individual behavior but also a systemic problem requiring cultural, accountability, and institutional responses through collective action.
She pointed out that while Nigeria has laws and international conventions in place, their effectiveness depends on proper enforcement. Abigail stated that survivors who report abuse should not face victim-blaming, private settlements, or ineffective justice processes. She urged the government to move beyond awareness campaigns and strengthen the entire GBV response system to ensure survivors receive protection, justice, and support.
Abigail also advocated for improved training for frontline institutions, particularly the police, who are often the first responders to SGBV cases. She called for enhanced access to justice and comprehensive survivor support services. Furthermore, she stressed the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their status or influence, to effectively reduce violence.
Abigail emphasized the need for prevention efforts to begin early, with schools teaching age-appropriate lessons on personal boundaries, safety, respectful relationships, and reporting mechanisms for children facing abuse. She highlighted the importance of including boys and men in conversations about preventing violence, as girls alone cannot bear the responsibility for avoiding abuse.
Additionally, the executive director advocated for the economic empowerment of women, noting that financial dependence often hinders victims from leaving abusive relationships and seeking protection. She stressed that expanding opportunities through education, skills acquisition, and decent employment for women and girls would significantly contribute to reducing gender-based violence.
Abigail called on communities to stop protecting perpetrators in the name of family reputation, emphasizing that silence only perpetuates abuse. She reiterated the need to address the root causes of gender-based violence and build a society where perpetrators are held accountable, survivors are protected, and institutions respond effectively. She concluded by affirming that every girl should grow up knowing that violence against her is neither normal nor acceptable, and protecting girls is an investment in Nigeria’s future.