The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has vowed to intensify efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence across Nigeria, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting women and girls.
Director-General of NAPTIP, Hajiya Binta Bello, made the pledge on Monday during a press conference unveiling activities for the 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Bello described the annual global campaign—held from November 25 to December 10—as a strong reminder of the shared responsibility to defend the rights and dignity of women and girls. She noted that the movement, launched in 1991 in honour of the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic, has grown into a worldwide call for action.
This year’s UN theme centres on addressing the rising threat of digital violence against women and girls. According to Bello, the campaign aims to deepen awareness, strengthen policies, promote equality, and amplify the voices of survivors.
While NAPTIP is widely recognised for its anti-trafficking mandate, the DG emphasized that the agency also tackles a broad range of abuses through public sensitisation, survivor rehabilitation, law enforcement, and collaboration with partners to provide legal, psychological, and social support.
She highlighted the central role of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, which criminalises domestic violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, harmful widowhood practices, stalking, and other forms of violence. NAPTIP, she said, continues to drive nationwide enforcement by training police officers, judicial personnel, health workers, and community leaders, supported by multi-agency task teams such as SPARC.
Despite progress, Bello acknowledged persistent cultural and social barriers that discourage victims from reporting abuses. She disclosed that the agency has secured more than 40 convictions for sexual and gender-based violence, including two life sentences. A recent case involved a 19-year-old teacher in Kwali who was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a nine-year-old pupil.
Bello lamented the rise in gender-based violence fuelled by insecurity, mass displacement, and economic hardship, stressing that ending the menace requires collective resolve. She urged traditional and religious leaders, parents, civil society, and the media to intensify advocacy, expose perpetrators, and support survivors.
Looking ahead, she announced that NAPTIP will expand awareness campaigns to underserved communities, scale up digital advocacy targeting young people, and strengthen engagement with stakeholders. “It will not be rosy for any perpetrator in the coming season,” she warned. “The VAPP Act is not a promise—it is a law, and it must be enforced without fear or favour.”
Bello commended development partners, particularly ICMPD, for their support through the TIPVAP Nigeria project, which she said has improved responses in eight states.
Activities for the 2025 observance will include an Awareness Walk, a High-Level Policy Dialogue, and Mental Health Training sessions.
Calling for greater national commitment, Bello said: “The 16 Days is an opportunity to turn laws into justice and rhetoric into genuine care. Together, we can build a Nigeria where every woman and girl lives free from fear.”
