As the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act marks a decade since its passage, the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to stronger enforcement, increased prosecution of sex offenders, and enhanced support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Speaking at NAPTIP headquarters in Abuja, the DG described the VAPP Act, signed into law on May 25, 2015, as a landmark legal instrument in Nigeria’s fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The Act, designed to eliminate violence in both public and private spaces, is currently applicable within the Federal Capital Territory and has been domesticated by 32 states.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a just and inclusive society,” she said. “The VAPP Act remains one of the country’s most comprehensive legal frameworks for the protection of human rights, particularly for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.”
Bello noted that in its first decade, the VAPP Act has empowered survivors, held perpetrators accountable, and contributed to restoring peace and dignity in communities. “We have secured 25 convictions, including two life sentences involving high-profile offenders. There are over 1,557 active cases in court, and we have provided support to more than 5,000 survivors through shelters, legal aid, psychosocial care, and reintegration programmes,” she stated.
Emphasizing a new phase of enforcement, the DG warned: “We promise a double portion of trouble for perpetrators in the years ahead.” She announced NAPTIP’s plan to scale up public awareness, intensify collaboration with traditional and religious leaders, and adopt a data-driven approach to tackle violence rooted in harmful cultural and gender norms.
Bello also expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, partner MDAs, development partners, civil society organisations, and the media for their continued support and collaboration. She commended survivors for their courage and all stakeholders—law enforcement, healthcare workers, legal advocates—for their vital roles in the implementation of the Act.
“As we look ahead, our mission remains clear: zero tolerance for violence and unwavering support for every survivor,” she concluded.
