Malala Fund, Hamzat Lawal, partners urge FG to protect VAPP Act

The Malala Fund, alongside key advocacy organisations such as Connected Development (CODE) and YouthhubAfrica, has called on the Nigerian government to safeguard the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act from potential repeal. This legislation, enacted in 2015, plays a vital role in combating gender-based violence (GBV) while promoting the safety, empowerment, and education of girls across the country.

The VAPP Act is a landmark law in Nigeria’s fight against GBV, criminalising domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. Repealing the Act could reverse years of progress in protecting the rights of women and girls.

Nabila Aguele, Chief Executive of Malala Fund Nigeria, stressed the dangers of repealing the VAPP Act, saying, “Repealing the VAPP Act would not only undermine efforts to protect Nigerian women and girls from violence but also threaten their right to education. When girls feel safe, they are more likely to attend school and reach their full potential. We urge the Senate to amend and strengthen the Act, rather than repeal it.”

Hamzat Lawal, Founder of Connected Development (CODE), echoed the same concerns, stating that: “The VAPP Act is a cornerstone in the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria. Its repeal would be a setback for the progress we’ve made in protecting our women and girls.

“We must not dismantle the protections put in place after years of advocacy and effort. The Act has been adopted by 35 out of 36 states, reflecting its crucial role in safeguarding the rights of women and girls across the country.”

Lawal further stressed the need for legislative improvements rather than a complete repeal.

“While we acknowledge that the Act might need revisions to address specific issues, the idea of repealing it entirely is deeply concerning. Instead of taking a step backwards, we should focus on strengthening and implementing the Act more effectively.

“We need to ensure that the legal framework remains robust and that survivors of GBV continue to receive the protection and support they need.”

Bukky Shonibare, Executive Director of Invictus Africa, echoed this sentiment: “The VAPP Act, passed after many years of effort, is now adopted by 35 out of 36 states in Nigeria. Let us build on this progress by amending and properly implementing the Act rather than repealing it.”

Toyin Chukwudozie, Executive Director of Education as a Vaccine, added, “Enacting and implementing legal protection to prevent gender-based violence is critical for ensuring girls have access to education, stay in school and complete their education.

“Repealing the VAPP Act will jeopardise this fundamental right for all girls nationwide, particularly in states where the Act has already been adopted. It is unnecessary and undermines the efforts of everyone who fought for its passage.”

The coalition of advocacy groups, including ACE Charity and Bridge Connect Africa Initiative, urged the Nigerian Senate to reject the repeal of the VAPP Act, calling for amendments to strengthen the legal framework and ensure continued protection for women and girls across the country.