Stakeholders in Nigeria’s justice and social sectors have reaffirmed their commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV) and expanding access to survivor services, with particular attention to emerging digital threats.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the statement on Wednesday at the 11th Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in Abuja. She noted that Nigeria currently operates 50 SARCs across 24 states, which have supported more than 58,000 survivors, but emphasised that more centres are needed to meet growing demand.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also announced plans for an Emergency GBV Response Fund to provide sustainable financing for shelters and referral services, ensuring survivors have continuous access to essential support.
“The fund will ensure that survivors have continuous access to essential support services,” she said, highlighting the government’s dedication to strengthening survivor-focused initiatives.
Reaffirming international support, European Union Ambassador Gautier Mignot drew attention to the rising threat of digital abuse. “The EU stands resolute in its commitment to gender equality and zero tolerance for all forms of gender-based violence,” he said.
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Dr Roba Sharamo, Regional Director of International IDEA, described the conference as “a critical space for reflection and action,” noting that the EU–RoLAC partnership continues to support Nigeria’s justice institutions and survivors nationwide.
The conference coincides with recent efforts at the state level. On Monday, the Lagos State Police Command inaugurated the Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Centre for Gender-Based Violence and Family Support in Ikeja. The centre, established in collaboration with the Command’s Gender Unit, government agencies, civil society organisations, and development partners, was formally opened by Lagos State First Lady, Mrs Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as part of ongoing initiatives to combat GBV and strengthen survivor services.
The events underscore Nigeria’s continued efforts to address both traditional and digital forms of gender-based violence while expanding support and protection for survivors nationwide.