The Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Adamu Bello, OON, has pledged a more aggressive prosecution of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) offenders, as Nigeria marks the 10th anniversary of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), 2015.
Speaking at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Saturday, May 25, 2025, Bello described the VAPP Act as a landmark legislation that has transformed Nigeria’s legal response to violence in both public and private spheres.
“Today marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a just, inclusive, and violence-free society. The VAPP Act remains one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks for the protection of human rights, especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups,” she said.
Bello announced that NAPTIP has secured 25 convictions under the Act, including two life imprisonment sentences handed down to high-profile individuals. She disclosed that over 1,557 cases are currently pending in various courts, while more than 5,000 survivors have received support through shelters, legal aid, psychosocial services, and reintegration programs facilitated by the agency.
“As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthened enforcement of the VAPP Act across all States of the Federation. We will intensify advocacy, engage community leaders, and adopt a proactive, data-driven approach to addressing all forms of violence,” Bello stated.
The VAPP Act, passed on May 25, 2015, seeks to eliminate all forms of violence against persons in both public and private life and provides maximum protection and effective remedies for victims. Initially applicable within the Federal Capital Territory, the Act has now been domesticated in 32 states across Nigeria.
The Director General commended the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, partner MDAs, development partners, civil society organisations, the media, and other stakeholders for their collaboration in the successful implementation of the law.
“To all who have walked this journey with us, especially survivors, law enforcement officers, healthcare workers, legal advocates, and the general public we extend our heartfelt gratitude. We promise a double portion of trouble for perpetrators in the years ahead,” she concluded.
