Nigeria Inaugurates Committee to Combat Gender Violence

On a recent date, the Nigerian Minister, Hajiya Ibrahim, inaugurated a committee aimed at strengthening the response to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Abuja. This initiative is supported by the European Union and is part of a broader program to eliminate SGBV and expand survivor service centers nationwide.

The committee will serve as a strategic policy platform to deepen collaboration among government institutions and development partners. Minister Ibrahim aligned this initiative with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting that 30% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, with four suffering sexual violence.

She noted that the country has 54 sexual assault referral centers, which remain insufficient, and called for expanded coverage and stronger institutional coordination. The committee, co-chaired by Ibrahim, aims to provide strategic oversight and policy direction for implementation across various states, including Oyo, Benue, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory.

The European Union's ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, and other officials emphasized the need for improved justice delivery and support for survivors.