Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello has promised a strong bite, increased prosecution of sex offenders, proactive implementation of the provisions of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015 to enhance the protection of Nigerians from issues of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV).
She gave the promise at the agency’s headquarters, Abuja, while speaking on the 10th year anniversary of the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2015.
The VAPP Act, which was designed to eliminate violence in public and private life, prohibits all forms of violence against persons and provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims, and punishment for perpetrators, was passed on May 25th, 2015, and is being implemented by NAPTIP.
The Act is applicable within the Federal Capital Territory and already domesticated by several states across the country.
The Director General, who hailed the efficacy of the Act, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a just, inclusive, and violence-free society. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, signed into law in 2015, is 10 years old. This landmark legislation remains one of Nigeria’s most comprehensive legal frameworks for the protection of human rights, especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
“As the Director General of NAPTIP, I am immensely proud to announce a decade of impactful implementation of the VAPP Law, which has been domesticated and gazetted by 32 states across Nigeria.
“Over the past 10 years, we have raised the bar for justice and given voice to the voiceless, empowering survivors of violence to seek redress. We have protected the vulnerable, restored dignity to victims, and enhanced support systems for survivors of abuse.We have contributed to the restoration of peace and harmony in homes, communities, and institutions affected by gender-based violence.
“We have fought relentlessly to end the culture of silence and impunity, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable under the law.
“The journey has not been without challenges, but our resolve has remained unshaken. With the unwavering support of our partners, stakeholders, and civil society, NAPTIP has successfully secured 25 convictions of perpetrators, including two life imprisonment sentences of high-profile individuals in Nigeria, with over 1557 cases in courts and provided support to over 5000survivors through shelters, legal aid, psychosocial services, and reintegration programmes.
“As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthened enforcement of the VAPP Act across all States of the Federation by scaling up advocacy and enlightenment to ensure that every Nigerian understands their rights under this law, collaboration with traditional, religious, and community leaders to deepen grassroots impact, and a proactive, data-driven approach to tackling all forms of violence, especially those rooted in harmful cultural and gender norms”, she stated.
The Director General thanked the Federal Ministry of Justice and the entire Judiciary for sustained support to the agency in implementing the Act, the partnering Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Development Partners, members of the Civil Society Organization (CSOs), the Media, and other stakeholders for their collaboration and partnership with NAPTIP, which have culminated in the successful implementation of the legislation.
“While extending our heartfelt gratitude to all who have walked this journey with us and survivors which continue to show courage, the law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, legal advocates, development partners, and the general public, we promise double portion of trouble for perpetrators in the years ahead”, the DG said.
