Kehinde Ishola
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice and social sectors have reiterated their commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV) and expanding access to survivor support services, with a renewed focus on emerging digital threats.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made this known at the 11th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) held in Abuja.
She disclosed that Nigeria currently has 50 operational SARCs across 24 states, which have supported over 58,000 survivors, but stressed that more centres are required to meet growing demand.
The minister also announced plans to establish an Emergency GBV Response Fund, aimed at providing sustainable financing for shelters and referral services.
“This fund will ensure that survivors have continuous access to essential support services,” she said.
Reaffirming international backing, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, highlighted the rising use of digital platforms as spaces for abuse.
“The EU stands resolute in its commitment to gender equality and zero tolerance for all forms of gender-based violence,” he said.
The Regional Director of International IDEA, Dr Roba Sharamo, described the conference as “a critical space for reflection and action,” adding that the EU–Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme continues to strengthen Nigeria’s justice institutions and provide support for survivors nationwide.
The conference underscored Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to address both traditional and digital forms of GBV while expanding survivor-centred services across the country.
Meanwhile, in Lagos, the Lagos State Police Command, on Monday, inaugurated the Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Centre for Gender-Based Violence and Family Support as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against GBV.
The centre, established in partnership with the police Gender Unit and supported by government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners, was formally inaugurated in Ikeja by the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.