National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has called for full enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 to curb cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

The director-general of the agency, Binta Adamu-Bello, made the call on Monday in Abuja, at a news conference to launch the agency’s campaign for the 2025 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

She said that the lack of nationwide enforcement of the VAPP Act had contributed to the rising cases of SGBV, stressing the need to change the narrative and stem the tide.

Mrs Adamu-Bello explained that the VAPP Act was a cornerstone of Nigeria’s legal framework, enacted in 2015 to criminalise various forms of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and emotional abuse.

“It also provides protective measures for victims and sanctions for offenders.

“Since its enactment, NAPTIP has relentlessly worked to ensure its effective implementation across states, advocating for capacity building among law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, health workers, and community leaders.

“We are also facilitating the establishment of VAPP multi-sectoral committees that coordinate efforts at the local level.”

She said the VAPP Act 2015 prohibited a wide range of violent acts, including physical assault, infliction of injury, sexual violence (including rape and incest), female genital mutilation, harmful widowhood and traditional practices, forced ejection, and others.

“The Act provides penalties and remedies, including fines, imprisonment, compensation, and protection orders.

“It has been widely acclaimed as a robust legal framework and a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s political will to combat gender-based violence in the country.

“The 16 Days of Activism is an international campaign aimed at raising awareness and driving action to end violence against women and girls globally.

“I, therefore, call for the enforcement of the VAPP Act nationwide to reduce the incidence of GBV,” she said.

She noted that the 2025 theme for the 16 Days of Activism, “Multi-Sectoral Approach to Fight Violent Crimes in Nigeria,” focused on ending digital violence against women and girls.

She said the broader goal of the theme was to raise awareness about gender-based violence (GBV).

According to her, the theme also aims to advocate policy reforms to prevent and respond to violence, while promoting a culture of respect and equality.

Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyi, Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), pledged the administration’s commitment to work with NAPTIP in ending GBV in the FCT.

She said GBV would no longer be “business as usual” in the Federal Capital Territory, noting that the 16 Days of Activism was not just a proposal but a global commitment that everyone must embrace to end the menace.

Mrs Benjamin-Laniyi added that the campaign would be extended to traditional rulers, community leaders, and gatekeepers across the six area councils of the FCT.

Dimanche Sharon, Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), reminded stakeholders that the fight against human trafficking and GBV must be collective.

She said victims of those crimes deserved justice and dignity, stressing the need for all stakeholders to unite in addressing the issues.

Ms Sharon commended the government for taking leadership in the fight against human trafficking and SGBV.

Matthias Esene, project manager, International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), also commended NAPTIP for organising the conference and for its efforts to eliminate crimes against vulnerable groups.

He said the theme of the 16 Days of Activism reflected the fact that no single institution could address GBV, trafficking, and the vulnerabilities that drove exploitation.

“These challenges demand coordinated action across justice, security, migration, and protection systems.

“ICMPD remains a dedicated partner to Nigeria in its efforts to strengthen migration governance, improve victim protection frameworks, and support national institutions in developing sustainable, evidence-based responses,” Ms Esene said.

(NAN)