Kaduna stakeholders call for stronger enforcement of VAPP law amid rising SGBV cases

Background In mid‑October, a two‑day policy dialogue was launched in Kaduna to address gaps in the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law (VAPP). The event was organised by the CLEEN Foundation and attracted representatives from government ministries, security agencies, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society groups, media outlets and academic institutions.

Weak Prosecution of SGBV Cases The CLEEN Foundation’s Executive Director, Peter Maduoma, highlighted that investigations and prosecutions of sexual and gender‑based violence (SGBV) remain inadequate in the state. He warned that without robust institutional coordination and survivor‑centred services, the mere existence of protective laws will not translate into justice. Maduoma stressed that the effectiveness of the law should be measured by its impact on survivors, not just its passage.

Allegations Against Religious Leaders A separate group of stakeholders, including representatives from the National Human Rights Commission and civil society, raised concerns that certain religious leaders are exploiting their positions to commit sexual exploitation, physical abuse and psychological harm against women, girls and children. They argued that the abuse of spiritual authority is creating a climate of fear and mistrust, undermining the protective role that religious institutions are expected to play.

Calls for Reform Both sets of stakeholders converged on a common demand: stricter enforcement of the VAPP law. They urged the state government to improve investigative capacity, ensure timely prosecution of offenders, and increase accountability within religious institutions. The CLEEN Foundation’s project manager, Dr Salaudeen Hashim, noted that some worship centres have become “threats” rather than safeguards, citing recent incidents where individuals seeking counselling were allegedly abused.

Institutional Challenges The reports identified several obstacles to effective law enforcement: poor coordination among agencies, limited public awareness of victims’ rights, insufficient resources for survivor support, and a lack of clear procedures for reporting and protecting victims. These shortcomings, the stakeholders argued, create an environment where perpetrators can act with impunity.

Next Steps The dialogue aims to map out actionable reforms that can be implemented within existing resources. Stakeholders plan to develop a framework that prioritises survivor safety, enhances inter‑agency collaboration, and establishes monitoring mechanisms to track progress. The CLEEN Foundation will continue to facilitate discussions and advocate for policy changes that strengthen the VAPP law’s implementation.

Conclusion The convergence of concerns from diverse actors in Kaduna underscores a growing recognition that legal safeguards alone are insufficient. Robust enforcement, survivor‑centred services, and accountability—especially within religious institutions—are essential to protect vulnerable populations from sexual and gender‑based violence.