Reps propose five years jail term, N1m fine for persons performing FGM

A bill seeking to amend the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act has passed second reading at the house of representatives.

Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, Ganiyu Johnson, lawmaker representing Oshodi Isolo II federal constituency and sponsor of the bill, recommended an increase from four to five years in jail, as well as a fine increase from N200,000 to N1 million, for persons performing acts such as female genital mutilation.

In May 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan assented to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.

The VAPP Act seeks to end all forms of violence against persons, including female genital mutilation, forceful ejection from home, and harmful widowhood and traditional practices.

Female genital mutilation, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), refers to the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury inflicted on the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

Johnson said the proposed amendment to section 6(2) of the act states: “Any person who performs female circumcision or genital mutilation or engages another to carry out such circumcision or mutilation commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or to a fine not exceeding one million naira or to both”.

He said the amendment will help to discourage the perpetrators of the act.

“A UNICEF survey recently revealed that in Nigeria, one out of four girls and one out of 10 boys suffers from sexual molestation, and about one out of 10 children will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday,” the lawmaker added.

“Among factors that encourage the commission of such unwholesome practices like female genital mutilation is lack of adequate sanctions.”

The lawmaker raised concern over the unhealthy process of conducting FGM, adding that it has no health benefits and is usually performed without the consent of adolescent girls and women.

He added that FGM infringes on the rights of girls to take decisions about their reproductive and sexual health.