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The Nigerian Government has called for a whole-of-society approach to ending conflict-related sexual violence, urging stakeholders to strengthen prevention, protection and accountability measures to safeguard vulnerable populations across affected communities nationwide.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the call in a statement to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on Saturday in Abuja.
She said conflict-related sexual violence remains one of the gravest consequences of insecurity, terrorism, violent extremism and armed conflict, with far-reaching implications for peace, stability and national development.
According to her, the crimes inflict lasting physical, emotional and psychological harm on survivors while weakening families, destabilising communities and hindering recovery, reconciliation and social cohesion.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said women and girls bear the greatest burden of conflict-related sexual violence, although men and boys are also affected and often face stigma and difficulties accessing support.
She described sexual violence in conflict as a threat to national security, social cohesion and sustainable development, stressing the need for coordinated interventions to tackle the growing menace effectively.
The minister called on security agencies, judicial institutions, schools, healthcare providers and social welfare services to strengthen collaboration and improve prevention and response mechanisms nationwide.
She also urged traditional and religious leaders to support efforts to prevent violence, protect vulnerable groups and promote values that encourage peace, dignity and mutual respect.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on community organisations and development partners to intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen prevention efforts and expand survivor support initiatives across the country.
She appealed to parents and caregivers to promote respect, empathy and peaceful coexistence within families and communities, describing such efforts as essential to preventing violence.
According to her, strong families remain the first line of defence against violence, abuse, exploitation and radicalisation by nurturing responsible citizens and strengthening social stability.
The minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report cases of abuse, trafficking, exploitation and other forms of violence, emphasising the importance of community participation in prevention efforts.
She also called on the creative industry to use its influence to challenge harmful norms, promote positive social values and encourage attitudes that reject violence and discrimination.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said filmmakers, musicians, broadcasters, content creators and social media influencers could help shape public attitudes, raise awareness and inspire behavioural change across communities.
She reaffirmed the Nigerian Government’s commitment to supporting survivors through access to justice, healthcare and psychosocial services aimed at promoting recovery, healing and restoring dignity.
The minister also advocated increased investment in shelters, Sexual Assault Referral Centres, legal aid services, research initiatives and institutional coordination mechanisms to strengthen survivor protection nationwide.
She said preventing violence must remain central to national efforts to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups from abuse, exploitation and conflict-related harm.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged Nigerians to stand with survivors and work collectively to build safer communities free from violence and exploitation while promoting peace, justice and inclusion for all.
