Activist petitions senate on move to repeal VAPP Act

Priye Diri, a leading advocate and change leader with Nguvu Collective, says repealing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act will be a setback for democracy and undo years of progress.

The VAPP Act 2015 provides legislation against gender-based violence, and various forms of abuse including domestic violence, rape, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. It has been domesticated in over 30 Nigerian states.

However, Jibrin Isah, a senator representing Kogi-east, has called for the VAPP Act to be repealed, citing need for a comprehensive review.

In its place, Isah proposed the enactment of a law to eliminate violence in “private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence against persons and to provide maximum protection”. The law has passed second reading at the national assembly.

In a statement to commemorate the International Day of Democracy celebrated annually on September 15, Diri said the act should be ammended instead, arguing that a repeal would eliminate the existing protections and provisions of VAPP.

“Since 2015, the VAPP Act has been a critical lifeline for women and vulnerable individuals in Nigeria. It has empowered thousands to report GBV cases, established essential support services, and made tangible progress toward gender justice. Repealing the Act would reverse these advancements, leaving survivors without necessary protections and creating exploitable gaps in the legal system,” Diri said.

Activists believe the repeal could have serious consequences. They have raised concerns that the legislative process for a new act could be lengthy and uncertain, potentially leaving a significant gap in legal protections for victims during the transition period.

To address these concerns, Diri has launched an online petition urging Mohammed Tahir Monguno, senate committee chairman on judiciary, human rights, and legal matters, and Isah to consider amending rather than repealing the VAPP Act.

The petition aims to rally support from individuals of all genders and backgrounds to ensure the continued protection and empowerment of women and vulnerable groups in Nigeria.

The petition highlights the need for legislative actions that enhance existing protections without dismantling the progress made.

“By amending the VAPP Act, legislators can address its shortcomings while preserving the vital legal framework that supports survivors of GBV,” Diri said.

Also commenting on the development, Durga Nandini, co-founder of Nguvu Collective,  said repelaing the act will undo decades of progress.

“Why repeal when you can amend? Repealing the Act will undo the decades of progress that gender rights activists in Nigeria made on addressing violence against vulnerable people and will be a major setback for democracy in the country,” Nandini said.