Zero Tolerance: Stopping FGM in Nigeria and Empowering Survivors
Kingsley Onwuka and Zubaida Baba Ibrahim (Lead Writers)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) continues to cast a dark shadow over communities in Nigeria, inflicting not only physical harm on its survivors, but also deep emotional and psychological trauma. Despite existing laws prohibiting the practice, enforcement remains inadequate, allowing the harmful tradition to persist in many areas.
Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu, Executive Director of Vivacious Development Initiative — a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that advocates for the rights of women, girls, and children, highlights that one of the major factors sustaining FGM is the entrenched belief system that views the girl child as inherently promiscuous unless circumcised. “The perception that FGM prevents promiscuity has led to its deep-rooted acceptance,” she said.
FGM carries profound health implications for women and girls. The range of adverse consequences can persist throughout their lives. The health risks are numerous, from excessive bleeding and infections to shock and even HIV/AIDs at the point of cutting, presenting significant challenges for survivors.
The 2025 commemoration of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM highlights the urgency of collaboration and forming movements across diverse groups to eradicate this harmful practice. This year’s theme, “Stepping up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM,” emphasises the need for collective action and sustained effort by various stakeholders, especially survivors. Movements must also include individuals of all genders and age groups to combat the deeply entrenched cultural and social norms that perpetuate FGM.
FGM Prevalence in Nigeria
In Nigeria, nearly 20 million women and girls have been subjected to FGM, accounting for 10% of the world’s total FGM cases, making it the country with the third-highest burden globally.
According to analysis conducted by FGM/C Research Initiative, South East and South West zones in Nigeria have the highest rates of FGM, with 32% and 30% of women between the ages of 15–49 having undergone FGM, respectively. Imo State stands out with a staggering 61.7% prevalence rate.
While a significant portion of Nigeria’s population resides in rural areas, the prevalence of FGM is not confined to these communities alone. Contrary to the historical assumption that FGM is predominantly rural, the analysis suggests that urban areas have seen an alarming increase in the practice. 24.2% of women between 15–49 years in urban areas have undergone FGM, compared to 15.6% in rural areas.
Anti-FGM policies so far
Nigeria’s government, recognising its obligations under international treaties, took steps to strengthen legal protections against FGM. These efforts include establishing the 2013–2017 National FGM Policy, which created a comprehensive framework for addressing this harmful practice at national and subnational levels.
The policy aimed to achieve its objective by advocating for the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Bill in 2015 and increasing the number of states with legislation against FGM from 11 in 2013 to all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by 2017.
Currently, the VAPP Act has been widely adopted across Nigeria, with 35 out of 36 states having successfully domesticated the law as of September 2024. Still, Nigeria has continued its anti-FGM efforts by introducing the National FGM Policy 2021–2025. It aims to build upon the legal framework established by the VAPP Act and further eradicate FGM within the country.
However, awareness of existing legal frameworks remains low in many communities. The lack of awareness about FGM laws also impacts law enforcement officials who play a pivotal role in preventing the practice as there are no recorded convictions for FGM-related offences under the VAPP Act or any other anti-FGM laws, casting doubt on the law’s implementation.
What can be done
This year’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM highlights the importance of building and forming unified movements as a potent force in the fight against FGM. This calls to mind the historic victory achieved in The Gambia in July 2024 when members of parliament came together with FGM survivors to uphold their anti-FGM law.
By learning from the successes of the Gambia, Nigeria can harness the power of survivor storytelling to increase public awareness about the dangers and consequences of FGM. By amplifying the voices of FGM survivors, the country will not only honour their courage and resilience, but also demonstrate leadership in the global fight against FGM.
Nigeria must also adopt a multifaceted strategy that takes advantage of partnerships with international donors who can pressure state authorities to enforce existing laws, while safeguarding the well-being of advocates on the frontlines.
Using social media and digital platforms to reach young adults and stakeholders can amplify anti-FGM messaging and foster critical dialogue on this sensitive issue. By coming together, these diverse voices can challenge these beliefs and systems, raising awareness, advocating for change, and ultimately creating a world where FGM is universally condemned and eradicated.
