Oyo, UNICEF push for tougher enforcement against Female Genital Mutilation

This was emphasized at a three-day multi-sectoral engagement meeting held in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, which brought together representatives from the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, government institutions, NGOs, and religious leaders. The workshop focused on strengthening justice system responses, survivor-centred approaches, and coordinated actions to end FGM.

Despite being prohibited under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 and the Child Rights Law, FGM remains prevalent in several parts of Nigeria. UNICEF reports that Nigeria ranks third globally in the number of women and girls affected, with millions still at risk.

Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Rotimi Babalola, described the initiative as “timely,” stressing that weak enforcement, poor reporting, and fragmented coordination continue to limit the effectiveness of existing laws.

Oyelade commended UNICEF for championing the cause, noting that the workshop seeks to build capacity, improve survivor protection, enhance reporting systems, and ensure the prosecution of offenders. He urged participants to come up with actionable strategies and strengthen inter-agency collaboration to close enforcement gaps.

On his part, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Denis Onoise, highlighted the urgent need to eliminate FGM, explaining its four forms and calling for increased budgetary allocation, stronger legal actions, and greater involvement of community leaders. He warned that without accelerated efforts, the 2030 target to eradicate the practice may not be achieved.

Similarly, the Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative, Dare Adaramoye, advocated for the establishment of specialised courts to handle gender-based violence cases, including FGM.

The renewed partnership between Oyo State Government and UNICEF reflects a growing consensus that ending FGM will require tougher prosecutions, survivor-focused responses, and stronger collaboration across multiple sectors.