Federal Government to establish gender-based violence safe spaces in all 774 local government areas
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Federal Government of Nigeria plans to establish dedicated safe spaces in all 774 Local Government Areas to enhance protection and support for survivors of gender-based violence GBV. This initiative was announced by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency NPHCDA and the New Era Foundation in Abuja. The agreement aims to strengthen protection, rehabilitation, and support services for GBV survivors nationwide. The Minister stated that this is a core component of the upcoming National Action Plan on GBV, designed to improve access to care, protection, and justice. These centers will provide immediate support, referral services, and protection closer to communities. Additionally, the government is working on regional mega-protection centers offering integrated medical, legal, psychosocial, and rehabilitation services. Mobile support teams under the Women on Wheels initiative will extend services to underserved communities. Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed concern over rising GBV cases, noting 2,755 documented cases between January and April 2026, with only four percent resulting in successful prosecution. Women and girls account for over 81 percent of survivors, and sexual violence represents 82 percent of recorded cases. Dr. Muyi Aina, CEO of NPHCDA, highlighted GBV as a major public health and human rights challenge, emphasizing the pa
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