Stakeholders working to curb gender-based violence (GBV) have raised concerns over the poor enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Act.
The concerns were highlighted on Thursday in Abuja during activities marking the 30th anniversary of gender and development action (GADA), alongside a workshop on participatory learning and accountability in GBV prevention.
Participants, including government officials and civil society groups, noted the inconsistent application of the VAPP Act despite its adoption by several states across the country.
Nkoyo Toyo, founder of GADA and former Nigerian ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti, said progress recorded over the years has not translated into a strong institutional response.
“We have shifted, but there is a void. The old norms are being challenged, but new standards have not fully taken root,” she said.
Toyo attributed the challenges to weak institutions, poor funding, and limited coordination among agencies such as the police, health sector, and education system.
“These institutions are under-resourced and overwhelmed. We need stronger collaboration and better funding,” she added.
Margaret Ene-Ita, Cross River state commissioner for social welfare and community development, stressed that passing laws alone is insufficient without proper execution by state authorities.
She commended GADA’s long-standing advocacy, which, according to her, has improved awareness and accountability.
Priscilla Usiobaifo of BraveHeart Initiative for Youth and Women cited low awareness in rural communities as a major barrier to justice.
“When people understand their rights, they demand justice, but we must strengthen the system to avoid jungle justice,” she said.
“The police need to understand the provisions of the law and apply them appropriately.”
