The Nasarawa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law as part of efforts to combat gender-based violence and improve protection for vulnerable residents.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Rebecca Adamu Kwaji, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a two-day workshop in Lafia focused on addressing gaps in the implementation of the law through policy dialogue, capacity building and institutional accountability.
The workshop, organized with support from the CLEEN Foundation, brought together stakeholders to examine challenges affecting enforcement and identify practical measures to ensure survivors of abuse receive justice and appropriate support.
Kwaji said the state had demonstrated its commitment to tackling gender-based violence by incorporating the VAPP Law into its legal framework in January 2021.
She expressed optimism that stronger enforcement would help reduce cases of abuse and improve access to justice for affected individuals.
According to the commissioner, the ministry, through its Social Welfare Department, has been handling cases of gender-based violence, with alleged perpetrators facing prosecution and survivors receiving care and assistance.
She also disclosed that the ministry had established a shelter where survivors could seek refuge and receive support while recovering and separating themselves from abusive situations.
However, Kwaji acknowledged that the law had not received the level of implementation and public recognition needed to achieve its full objectives. She expressed confidence that the workshop would improve awareness and strengthen enforcement.
CLEEN Foundation Identifies Implementation Gaps
Earlier, the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, said the discussions centred on human rights, access to justice, public safety, institutional accountability and the protection of vulnerable people.
Represented by the foundation’s Senior Programme Officer, Bernard Ekobay, Maduoma described the VAPP Law as an important legal instrument for preventing violence, protecting survivors and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable.
He warned, however, that passing legislation alone does not guarantee justice unless the institutions responsible for enforcement are equipped to implement it effectively.
Maduoma identified low public awareness of legal protections and reporting channels, poor coordination among relevant agencies, inconsistent investigations and weak prosecution as major obstacles.
He also highlighted inadequate survivor support services, limited resources and social pressures that discourage victims from reporting abuse or encourage informal settlements in cases requiring legal intervention.
He urged stakeholders to identify the specific weaknesses affecting implementation in Nasarawa and develop practical reforms that would improve the state’s response.
FIDA Calls for Compensation for Survivors
The Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nasarawa State chapter, Halima Hudu Abubakar, said effective implementation of the law could strengthen the prosecution of offenders and expand access to justice for victims.
Abubakar explained that the VAPP Law addresses several forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence, while providing avenues for victims to seek compensation.
She noted that victims should not only see offenders prosecuted but should also understand their legal rights and the options available for obtaining redress.
According to her, compensation provisions could help survivors pursue justice and reinforce accountability for acts of violence.
Stakeholders Push for Better Protection
The workshop highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement bodies, justice institutions and organizations supporting survivors.
Participants were urged to work towards improving public awareness, strengthening investigative and prosecution processes, and ensuring survivors can report abuse without intimidation, stigma or victim-blaming.
The renewed commitment by the Nasarawa government comes amid broader efforts to address gender-based violence and improve the implementation of protective legislation across Nigeria.
Stakeholders say the success of the VAPP Law will ultimately depend on whether its provisions translate into accessible justice, effective protection and meaningful support for people affected by violence.
#Nasarawa #VAPPLaw #GenderBasedViolence #WomenAndGirls #JusticeForSurvivors #CLEENFoundation #FIDA #NigeriaNews #OnPointGist
