As Nigeria marks the 10th anniversary of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), the Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dr. Binta Adamu Bello has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to stricter enforcement and increased prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) offenders.
In a statement issued by Vincent Adekoye, Press Officer at NAPTIP, Bello described the 10-year milestone as a significant point in the nation’s fight against violence, particularly crimes targeting women, children, and other vulnerable populations.
“The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, signed into law in 2015, remains one of Nigeria’s most robust legal instruments protecting the rights of survivors and punishing offenders,” she said. “We are determined to give the Act an even stronger bite.”
The VAPP Act prohibits all forms of violence in public and private life and provides effective remedies for victims while prescribing penalties for perpetrators. Originally applicable in the Federal Capital Territory, the Act has now been domesticated in 32 states, with NAPTIP leading its nationwide implementation.
Bello disclosed that NAPTIP has secured 25 convictions under the Act, including two life imprisonment sentences against high-profile individuals. She also revealed that over 1,557 cases are currently in court, while more than 5,000 survivors have received support through shelters, legal services, psychosocial care, and reintegration programs provided by the agency.
“We have raised the bar for justice, empowered survivors, and held perpetrators accountable,” she said. “This has been made possible through the collective efforts of partners across government, civil society, and the development sector.”
Looking ahead, NAPTIP plans to intensify advocacy campaigns, partner more closely with traditional and religious institutions to extend grassroots awareness, and adopt a data-driven strategy to address root causes of violence, especially those linked to cultural and gender-based norms.
Bello expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders for their role in implementing the VAPP Act over the past decade. She also commended survivors for their resilience and encouraged the public to speak out against abuse.
“To the perpetrators, the message is clear: the law is firm, and the consequences are real. The next decade will be even tougher for those who violate the rights of others,” Bello warned.