NASS Committed to Ending Violence Against Women — Speaker Abbas
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has pledged that the National Assembly will exhaust all efforts to significantly reduce, if not completely eliminate, violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Walk Against Gender-Based Violence on Monday, an event that saw over 1,000 participants march from the National Assembly Complex to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) headquarters in Abuja, Speaker Abbas emphasized the legislature’s commitment to this cause. The event was organized by the United Nations (UN) Women in collaboration with the National Assembly to raise awareness and demand stronger action against gender-based violence.
Abbas declared, “Today is historic. The National Assembly is standing in solidarity with groups across the country to combat gender violence. This year’s program aligns with global outcries from women facing anger, frustration, and violence. The UN reports that every 10 minutes, a woman is killed somewhere in the world—a horrifying and unacceptable reality.
“We, as parliamentarians, must work closely with law enforcement agencies to curb this trend to the barest minimum. The House of Representatives is committed to actively supporting the upcoming national action plan against violence and enacting policies to protect women, children, and girls from all forms of violence,” he added.
The walk also marked the commencement of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign to eliminate violence against women in Nigeria.
Petition to IGP on Justice for Victims
During the event, the House Committee on Women Affairs, chaired by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, presented a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, urging justice for victims of gender-based violence.
Ogbara highlighted alarming statistics, noting that globally, one in three women has experienced gender-based violence, while the National Demographic and Health Survey revealed that 30% of Nigerian women aged 15–49 have suffered physical abuse.
She stressed the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, saying: “We are asking the IGP to ensure that police personnel handle gender-based violence cases with the seriousness they deserve. Violence against women and girls is inexcusable, whether from lecturers, bosses, or even fathers. We must say no to such acts.”
Police Commitment to the Cause
In response, IGP Egbetokun acknowledged the severity of gender-based violence and emphasized the collective responsibility to address it. He assured that the petition would be given due attention.
“Gender-based violence devastates lives globally and in Africa. Women and girls endure domestic violence, sexual assaults, and harmful traditional practices like genital mutilation. Since 2006, the Nigerian Police Force has implemented a gender policy aligned with global standards, and we remain committed to its objectives,” the IGP said.
He reiterated the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including law enforcement, civil society, and policymakers, to eradicate gender-based violence.
The event underscored Nigeria’s determination to create a safer, more equitable society where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.
