FGM in Nigeria: Minister Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Eradication

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria, a harmful practice affecting millions of women and girls. The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made this known during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the alarming prevalence of FGM in Nigeria, revealing that an estimated 19.9 million women and girls have undergone the practice, with a 20% prevalence rate among women aged 15 to 49. She described it as a serious human rights violation, a public health crisis, and a major obstacle to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We are not just marking another international day; we are reaffirming our commitment to ending one of the most serious violations of human rights, Female Genital Mutilation,” she stated.

Government’s Multi-Sectoral Strategy to End FGM

To combat FGM, the minister outlined a multi-sectoral approach, including:
Strengthening legal frameworks to criminalize and prevent FGM
Expanding community interventions to raise awareness at the grassroots level
Promoting behavioral and cultural change to shift societal norms

Sulaiman-Ibrahim called for collaborative efforts among government agencies, civil society, and local communities to accelerate progress.

“The fight against FGM is not the responsibility of one ministry, one organization, or one sector, it is a collective responsibility. FGM is not culture; FGM is a human rights violation. Together, let us #UNITE2ENDFGM and ensure that every girl in Nigeria is free to live, free to dream, and free to thrive,” she urged.

Advocacy and Legislative Push

As part of ongoing efforts to eradicate FGM, the government has planned:
     An advocacy walk to the National Assembly to push for stronger anti-FGM laws and increased funding for prevention programs.
    A grassroots campaign in Jigawa State to engage community leaders and mobilize local organizations in the fight against FGM.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to amplifying survivors’ voices, enforcing existing laws, and promoting education and economic empowerment for women and girls.

With continued advocacy and nationwide collaboration, Nigeria is pushing towards a future free from FGM, ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of every girl.