Nigeria’s Women Affairs Minister Vows Tough Action Against Abuse and Violence
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has strongly condemned the rising tide of violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation faced by women, children, and vulnerable groups across Nigeria. In a passionate statement, the Minister expressed her outrage, declaring that enough is enough and vowed to take immediate, decisive action to end these atrocities.
The statement, signed by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Jonathan Eze, emphasized that the minister is deeply disturbed by the increasing incidents of sexual assault, physical violence, emotional abuse, child trafficking, and online exploitation within schools, homes, and communities.
“Enough is Enough!” Sulaiman-Ibrahim declared. “Violence against women and children must be stopped with immediate effect. We have a moral and legal obligation to protect our women, children, and other vulnerable groups from all forms of abuse and violence.”
The Minister highlighted that the ongoing violence against children is not just heartbreaking, but also a serious violation of their fundamental rights. She stressed that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment free from fear, abuse, and violence.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim outlined a multi-pronged strategy to address these issues, including working with relevant stakeholders to review and strengthen existing laws such as the Child Rights Act of 2003 and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015. The Ministry is also focused on introducing more severe penalties for offenders and ensuring stricter enforcement of these laws.
Additionally, the Minister announced the development of a National Social Protection Policy to improve protection frameworks and establish robust systems for safeguarding vulnerable groups. The Ministry has activated child protection mechanisms and is collaborating with justice actors, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to enhance coordination in tackling these crimes.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim further pledged to establish reporting mechanisms and crisis management centers that will provide citizens with the tools to recognize, report, and seek assistance for abuse through helplines, school-based programs, psycho-social support, and community outreach initiatives.
The Minister emphasized that this holistic approach to prevention and intervention is critical to creating a safer environment for women, children, and vulnerable citizens. With the full backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has committed to a zero-tolerance policy on violence, Sulaiman-Ibrahim reiterated that the protection of these groups would remain a top priority in the administration’s agenda.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is built on equity, justice, and protection for all citizens. We call on all Nigerians to join us in this crucial fight to eradicate violence and all forms of abuse from our society,” she concluded.
