The Centre for Social Awareness, Advocacy and Ethics (CSAAE) has strongly
advocated for the amendment of Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act
(VAPP) rather than its total repeal, following the recent second reading of the bill to
repeal the VAPP Act sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah of Kogi East.
This is contained in a release by the Centre’s Executive Director, Rev. Fr Dr Godswill
Agbagwa, made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Tuesday.
C-Advocate reports that the VAPP Act, enacted in 2015, has been adopted as State
law in 34 States across Nigeria, marking a significant achievement in the protection of
human rights, particularly for women and vulnerable populations.
The CSAAE has argued that repealing the landmark legislation would not only
dismantle years of advocacy and progress but also expose countless individuals to
increased risks of violence and discrimination.
“A repeal of the VAPP Act would be a grave setback in our collective fight against
gender-based violence and abuse in Nigeria. Instead of moving backwards, we should
focus on strengthening this legislation through effective amendments that clarify its
provisions and expand its reach, ensuring that it serves every Nigerian effectively.
“CSAAE emphasizes that the beauty of law lies in its ability to evolve through
amendments over time. A total repeal would disregard the hard-work invested in
establishing the VAPP Act and render all efforts and funds expended in its
implementation futile. Furthermore, such an action would undermine Nigeria’s
commitment to international legal standards, which favour the review and amendment
of existing laws over their outright repeal.
“The organization calls for a shift in focus from repeal to amendment, believing that
this approach will build confidence in Nigeria’s constitutional framework and set a
healthy precedent for respect and regard for existing laws. By enhancing the VAPP
Act, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to the protection of its citizens and
strengthen its standing in the international community.
The CSAAE urged the Nigerian Senate to reconsider its stance on the VAPP Act and
collaborate with stakeholders, including civil society organizations, community
leaders, and the public, to advocate for amendments that will enhance this vital
legislation.
The fight against violence and abuse, it says, must remain a priority for all levels of
government and society
