The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, has condemned the devastating practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
This is as Nigeria continues to bear one of the highest burdens globally, with a staggering 19.9 million women and girls affected, according to the 2018 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
Ibrahim in her address to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), expressed concerns that the prevalence rate stands at 20% among women aged 15-49.
She underlined the urgent need for intensified actions across the country to address this harmful practice.
This year’s theme for the commemoration, “Step Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM,” called for swift, collective action.
She highlighted the grave physical, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences of FGM. The procedure, often performed under unsafe and unsanitary conditions, results in severe bleeding, infections, complications during childbirth, psychological trauma, and even death in extreme cases. Ibrahim underscored that FGM goes beyond an individual issue, depriving entire communities of their full potential by hindering the educational and economic opportunities for women and girls.
She called on all stakeholders to join forces and ensure that every girl in Nigeria can live free from the threat of FGM. This involves strengthening the coordination and response mechanisms to address cases of FGM, while also focusing on prevention and education.
“Nigeria has made notable strides in building alliances to address FGM, with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs continuing to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to create and implement policies and actions. Ibrahim acknowledged that while challenges remain, the country is committed to maintaining momentum in the fight against FGM.
“The role of traditional and religious leaders is especially crucial in the fight against FGM, as they wield significant influence over communities. The Ministry has been working closely with these leaders to promote awareness and shift cultural attitudes that perpetuate FGM,” she said.
She regretted that despite notable progress in reducing FGM prevalence, certain regions in Nigeria are witnessing an alarming rise in the number of girls at risk. This calls for renewed efforts to stamp out the practice once and for all. The Minister was adamant that FGM is not a cultural or traditional practice, but a human rights violation.
“FGM has no place in our society,” Ibrahim stated, stressing that it is imperative for every Nigerian to be part of the fight to eliminate this violation of human dignity.
The Minister assured to work closely with the Hon. Minister of Justice to strengthen legal frameworks and ensure accountability. She also promised to collaborate with other Ministries to enhance education and empower women and girls economically. Furthermore, she emphasized the need to amplify the voices of FGM survivors, ensuring that their lived experiences shape the policies and interventions aimed at eliminating the practice.
She highlighted that FGM is not just a cultural issue; it is a public health crisis, a violation of human rights, and a significant barrier to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), gender equality (SDG 5), and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). For Nigeria to progress, the elimination of FGM must be a priority.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, as part of its ongoing efforts, is actively supporting the implementation of the National Policy and Plan of Action on FGM Elimination. This is in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, UNFPA, UNICEF, and other critical stakeholders. Together, they are developing a strategic framework that not only addresses the root causes of FGM but also provides support to its survivors and victims.
She further pointed out that this year’s commemorative event is not just a ceremonial marking of a day, but a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to ending FGM. It is a call to action—a plea for urgent, sustained efforts to protect the rights and futures of millions of girls and women.
“This call is echoed by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to strengthen laws, scale up interventions, and foster a cultural shift towards ending FGM.
“Nigeria’s response to FGM has seen tangible progress. To further accelerate the fight against FGM, the Ministry has outlined key activities aimed at increasing advocacy and action. One significant step is an Advocacy Walk to the National Assembly, where lawmakers will be urged to strengthen legal frameworks to criminalize FGM and increase funding for anti-FGM programs. This will be followed by an Advocacy Visit to Jigawa State, one of Nigeria’s flashpoints for FGM,” she disclosed .
She added that during this visit, the Ministry will engage community and religious leaders to stress the importance of abandoning the practice.
“Beyond legislative efforts, the Ministry is also focused on mobilizing grassroots organizations and youth-led movements to push for change. Minister Ibrahim made it clear that the fight against FGM is not the responsibility of any single entity but a collective one. Governments, civil society organizations, traditional and religious institutions, the private sector, and young people all play a crucial role in eliminating this practice,” she assured.
“Together, let us ensure that every girl in Nigeria is free to live, free to dream, and free to thrive.The time for action is now,” she stressed.
