NAPTIP Vows Tougher Measures Against Gender-Based Violence

NAPTIP Vows Tougher Measures Against Gender-Based Violence

By: Michael Mike

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Hajiya Binta Bello has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating all forms of gender-based violence in the country.

She made the commitment on Monday at a press conference on activities lined up by the agency for the commemoration of the 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Bello, while describing the annual event as a “powerful reminder of the world’s collective duty to safeguard the rights, dignity, and safety of women and girls,” explained that the 16-day campaign—running from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day)—has evolved into a worldwide movement since its launch in 1991 in memory of the Mirabal sisters of the Dominican Republic.

This year’s UN-led theme focuses on combatting digital violence against women and girls, a rapidly growing threat in the digital age. Bello noted that the campaign seeks to expand awareness, advocate for stronger policies, promote equality and respect, and amplify the voices of survivors.

She said while NAPTIP is best known for its anti-trafficking mandate, the agency also addresses a wider spectrum of abuses, noting that through awareness campaigns, survivor rehabilitation, and law enforcement activities, NAPTIP works to prevent violence and bring offenders to justice.

She highlighted ongoing community outreach programmes as well as partnerships with stakeholders to provide legal, psychological, and social support for victims.

Bello said a major part of the agency’s work revolves around the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015, which criminalizes domestic violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, female genital mutilation, harmful widowhood practices, stalking, and other forms of violence.

She noted that NAPTIP has consistently championed the enforcement of the Act across states by building capacity among police officers, judicial officers, health workers, and community leaders. Multi-sectoral committees, including the High-Level Multi-Agency Task Team and the Service Providers Accountability Resource Committee (SPARC), continue to support coordinated implementation nationwide.

She however acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly cultural and societal barriers that discourage victims from speaking out.

The Director-General revealed that NAPTIP has secured over 40 convictions related to sexual and gender-based violence, including two life sentences, adding that the agency’s Rapid Response Team continues to respond swiftly to emergency reports.

One of the most recent convictions involved a 19-year-old teacher from Kwali who received a life sentence for raping his nine-year-old pupil.

Bello stressed that ending gender-based violence requires collective action, lamenting that growing insecurity, mass displacement, and economic hardship have contributed to increased cases of sexual and gender-based violence across Nigeria.

She however called on religious and traditional leaders, parents, guardians, civil society, and the media to intensify efforts in educating communities, reporting offenders, and supporting survivors.

Bello promised that NAPTIP will strengthen its strategies in the coming months by scaling up awareness to underserved communities, enhancing digital advocacy targeting Gen-Z populations, and deepening stakeholder engagement.

She said: “It will not be rosy for any perpetrator in the coming season,” warning that: “The VAPP Act is not a promise—it is a law, and it must be enforced without fear or favor.”

She expressed appreciation to development partners, especially the ICMPD, whose “TIPVAP Nigeria” project has significantly improved responses across eight implementing states.

Bello urged Nigerians to actively participate in ending violence: “Through sustained advocacy, enforcement of laws, societal transformation, and personal responsibility, we can build a Nigeria where every woman and girl lives free from fear.”

She revealed that part of activities lined up for the 2025 Sixteen Days of Activism include Awareness Walk, High-Level Policy Dialogue, and Mental Health Training.

She appealed for stronger prevention strategies, saying: “The 16 Days is an opportunity to turn laws into justice and rhetoric into genuine care.

NAPTIP Vows Tougher Measures Against Gender-Based Violence