The Nigerian government is reviewing the National policy on justice to encapsulate matters on Sexual and Gender-base Violence SGBV for a sustainable framework in addressing the problem.
The country’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi announced this in Abuja, at a high level engagement with states on promoting rule of law, access to justice and enhancing criminal justice pathway to addressing violence against women and girls.
Fagbemi emphasized the commitment of Nigeria to overcoming the unique challenges posed by sexual and Gender-base Violence SGBV.
He said; “The Nigerian Government of Nigeria remains committed to the implementation of its obligation under the convention on elimination of discrimination against women and other international human rights instruments, as well as national laws prohibiting incidences of SGBV act 2015.”
The Attorney General represented by Solicitor General of the Federation, Mr. Beatrice Geddy-Agba said, following the establishment of the inter-Ministerial Management Committee on the elimination of SGBV and it’s response unit, the government took further steps to “setting up a federal SGBV prosecution hub in December 2021.”
This the Minister said is to ensure a coordinated and responsive investigation and prosecution of SGBV cases at the federal level among other steps.
Fagbemi called on State governments and international partners to commit to the effective implementation of all policies, programmes and laws relating to SGBV.
He said; “Our investigative, prosecutorial and adjudicatory capacities must keep pace with development and evolving patterns and forms of SGBV.”
Also, the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy called for action against perpetrators of sexual and Gender-base Violence SGBV to serve as deterrent to others.
She advocated the creation of a special court martial for SGBV offenders, female genital mutilation across states and women empowerment.
The Chief Advisor United Nations Development Programme UNDP Mr. Simon Ridley said; “the International body is determined to collaborate in the elimination of all forms of violence against and girls through the EU-UN Spotlight initiatives.”
The Nigerian Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun, represented by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Aishatu Abubakar-Baju said, efforts are on going in making the Police a gender responsive force in the country.
The high level engagement organized by the office of the Attorney General in collaboration with EU-UN Spotlight initiatives, brought to Attorneys General/solicitors from states, Police and other relevant stakeholders.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
