There has been a growing demand for more severe consequences for rape, with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) leading the advocacy. Hajiya Binta Bello, the Director-General of NAPTIP, has emphasised the need for stricter punishments to prevent these crimes. She expressed her concerns during an event in Cross River State, which celebrated the end of the implementation stage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law. The gathering was put together by Stand to End Rape, an organisation dedicated to fighting against gender-related violence in Nigeria.
Through Jacob Oba, the operational leader of NAPTIP in Cross River, Bello conveyed her concern regarding the widespread occurrence of rape, labelling it as a serious violation of human rights. She underscored that these offences cause suffering for the victims and affect society. She insisted that the battle against sexual assault necessitates a united approach that includes law enforcement, local organisations, and those affected by the crimes to tackle the problem. Bello emphasised the need for quick reporting of such occurrences, providing legal assistance to survivors, and increasing awareness to combat the stigma that frequently surrounds sexual violence.
Raising public awareness will help citizens understand the VAPP law impact.
She noted that the fight to eliminate these offences would be extended without community backing and prompt responses. Bello reiterated NAPTIP’s dedication to upholding the VAPP Act, underscoring her agency’s unwavering resolve to combat violations, particularly those associated with human trafficking. She believed a more collaborative and assertive approach would lead to advancements in addressing these offences. During the event, Dr. Mercy Kwabe, who serves as co-director of the Stand to End Rape Initiative, addressed the audience. She recognised that although some progress has been achieved in advocating for equal rights with the passage and execution of the VAPP Act, much work is still ahead.
Kwabe noted that the Legislation marks a significant advancement; however, the real challenge is to enhance public awareness so that every individual comprehends its terms and effects, irrespective of their background. She stressed the necessity of converting the law’s content into local languages to communicate with the community, thereby maximising its influence. She further emphasised that enhancing the VAPP Act with stricter penalties would be a more productive approach than attempting to revoke the legislation. She contended that efforts should encourage its positive aspects, transforming it into a powerful instrument for protecting women’s rights and those of vulnerable groups.
Ongoing efforts to support survivors and their legal rights were noted.
In her view, strengthening the law would convey a strong signal that violence, particularly of a sexual nature, is unacceptable in society. Moreover, Ann Awa, who chairs the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) in Cross River State, expressed her views on the matter. Awa emphasised the urgency of enforcing the VAPP Act in every state. She pointed out the need to consistently apply the law’s provisions to ensure nationwide safety and justice for victims. Awa recognised that several parts of the Act have raised debate and advocated for their reassessment.
However, she emphasised that the law shouldn’t be discarded; rather, the objective should be to enhance these sections to improve the law’s effectiveness and inclusivity. Awa further emphasised the continuous work by FIDA and similar groups to support survivors and promote their rights under the law. She stressed that discarding the VAPP Act would reverse advancements, particularly in a community plagued by gender-based violence. Her plea for targeted modifications resonated with the views of other advocates, who think that improving the legislation would enhance its ability to provide justice.
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The event highlighted that legal structures such as the VAPP Act are essential, but their effectiveness relies on broad awareness, community involvement, and robust implementation. Under Bello’s administration, NAPTIP remains dedicated to these objectives by partnering with both local and global entities to address issues related to human trafficking and gender-based violence. As advocates and survivors strive for transformation within society, it’s clear that a concerted effort and enhanced initiatives are essential. They agreed that while legislation serves as a foundation, it needs to be strengthened with stricter penalties, increased awareness initiatives, and collaborative efforts.