Nigeria’s Fight Against Gender-Based Violence Hampered by Policy Gaps, Experts Warn

Laws aimed at curbing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remain largely unimplemented, justice remains inaccessible, and shelters for survivors are virtually non-existent, according to leading advocates and experts. The situation persists even during National awareness campaigns, underscoring a critical gap between policy and practice.

Speaking on the matter, Gender Rights Activist Shonibare stressed the urgent need for increased Government commitment. “My call to Government is simple: budget more and spend more. Survivors cannot continue to pay the price for Government inaction,” she said, highlighting the systemic challenges faced by state Women’s Affairs Ministries.

Shonibare noted that many of these Ministries lack the political backing necessary to advocate for higher funding openly. “We cannot expect them to speak publicly. Civil society must continue to demand accountability where ministries cannot act without risking their positions,” she explained.

Echoing the call for prioritization, Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director for West Africa at the Ford Foundation, said the recently released GBV Index provides a vital blueprint for states. “Donor funding is dwindling and will continue to shrink. Many facilities are already built; what states need is the political will to maintain them. Addressing GBV does not require breaking the bank—it requires prioritization,” she said. Dr. Aniagolu-Okoye urged governors to use the Index as both a planning and accountability tool, noting that states leveraging the data are demonstrating measurable progress, while those ignoring it remain stagnant.

Despite troubling trends nationwide, some states are emerging as leaders in the fight against GBV. Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi, co-founder of the AMANDA Institute and former First Lady of Ekiti State, emphasized that combating GBV is a collective responsibility. “States such as Lagos and Akwa Ibom are showing what is possible when leadership is intentional. But overall, Nigeria still has a long way to go,” she said.

The report underscores a critical message: while donor support has played a role, sustainable solutions require committed government action, proper funding, and political will to prioritize the safety and rights of women and girls.