FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM) IN NIGERIA

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia. It is performed for non-medical reasons, often as a cultural or religious practice. FGM violates women’s rights and has severe health, psychological, and social implications. This practice remains prevalent in many parts of Nigeria, despite laws and advocacy efforts aimed at eradicating it.

Prevalence of FGM in Nigeria

Nigeria has one of the highest FGM rates globally, with millions of women affected. FGM is practiced in many Nigerian communities, cutting across ethnic and religious lines. Despite growing awareness, certain areas continue to perpetuate the practice. According to the United Nations, Nigeria accounts for a significant percentage of the world’s FGM cases. The cultural belief that FGM preserves a girl’s chastity is a common reason for its prevalence.

Health Implications of FGM

FGM causes severe physical harm to girls and women. It can lead to infections, chronic pain, and complications during childbirth. Immediate health risks include excessive bleeding, infections, and in some cases, death. Long-term consequences include urinary problems, cysts, and an increased risk of childbirth complications. FGM also has severe psychological effects, including trauma, depression, and anxiety. These health issues are compounded by the lack of proper medical attention during the procedure.

Legal Provisions Addressing FGM in Nigeria

Nigeria has taken significant legal steps to combat FGM. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), passed in 2015, is Nigeria’s primary legal framework against FGM. Section 6 of the VAPP Act explicitly prohibits FGM. The Act criminalizes anyone who performs, aids, or abets FGM. Violators face up to four years in prison or a fine of up to N200,000. The Act applies at the federal level, but its enforcement is limited to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). States must adopt and domesticate the VAPP Act for its provisions to apply locally.

State-Level Legal Frameworks

Several Nigerian states have domesticated the VAPP Act or passed their own anti-FGM laws. States like Ekiti, Ebonyi, and Oyo have made significant strides in legislating against FGM. In Oyo State, the FGM (Prohibition) Law of 2002 specifically criminalizes FGM. However, enforcement remains a significant challenge in most states. In states where FGM is widely practiced, local authorities often hesitate to prosecute offenders. Traditional and religious leaders often hold significant influence, which hampers legal enforcement.

International Legal Frameworks and Nigeria’s Obligations

Nigeria is a signatory to several international conventions that condemn FGM. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) calls for the elimination of harmful practices like FGM. Nigeria is also a party to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, specifically the Maputo Protocol, which condemns FGM. These international instruments obligate Nigeria to take legal and policy measures to end FGM. However, the gap between international commitments and local enforcement remains wide.

Case Law on FGM in Nigeria

There is limited case law on FGM in Nigeria due to cultural sensitivities and underreporting as many FGM cases are settled outside the formal justice system due to societal pressures. The lack of widespread prosecution hinders the effectiveness of legal protections.

Advocacy and Efforts to Eradicate FGM

Numerous local and international organizations are working to eliminate FGM in Nigeria. UNICEF and UNFPA lead global campaigns against FGM, focusing on community sensitization and legal reforms. Local NGOs like the Center for Women’s Health and Information (CEWHIN) work with affected communities to raise awareness. Advocacy efforts include educating traditional leaders and religious figures about the dangers of FGM. These efforts aim to shift cultural perceptions and encourage community leaders to abandon the practice.

Challenges to Eradicating FGM

Eradicating FGM in Nigeria faces several challenges. First, cultural beliefs about FGM remain deeply entrenched in many communities. Many believe FGM is necessary to maintain a girl’s purity and prepare her for marriage. Second, weak law enforcement limits the effectiveness of anti-FGM laws. Corruption and social pressures often prevent authorities from prosecuting offenders. Lastly, poverty and lack of education in rural areas exacerbate the practice. Many families continue FGM because of ignorance about its harmful effects.

Conclusion

Female Genital Mutilation remains a significant human rights issue in Nigeria. Despite legal frameworks like the VAPP Act, the practice persists in many parts of the country. Stronger law enforcement, combined with community education, is necessary to eradicate FGM. Local leaders must also play a role in changing cultural perceptions about the practice. Ending FGM will require sustained legal, social, and educational efforts at both the national and community levels.