Sexual Violence Fuels Insecurity, Undermines National Development — Sulaiman-Ibrahim 

Oru Leonard 

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development in Nigeria, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has warned that conflict-related sexual violence poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s security, social stability and development, urging stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups.

Speaking on Friday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the minister described sexual violence in conflict situations as one of the most damaging consequences of terrorism, armed conflict and violent extremism.

She said such acts inflict lasting physical and psychological harm on victims while also disrupting families, worsening poverty, driving displacement and weakening national cohesion.
According to her, conflict-related sexual violence goes beyond human rights violations, constituting a direct challenge to peacebuilding, social harmony and sustainable development.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to safeguarding women, children and vulnerable populations through policies and interventions aimed at strengthening social protection and community resilience.

She highlighted the implementation of the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention (RHSII-774), a nationwide initiative covering all 774 local government areas, designed to enhance child protection, expand economic opportunities for women and support vulnerable communities.

Expressing concern over evolving security threats, the minister said women and children are increasingly becoming deliberate targets of criminal networks and terrorist groups.

She identified school kidnappings, human trafficking, forced marriages, sexual slavery, child recruitment by armed groups and the abuse of displaced women and girls as disturbing trends requiring urgent national attention.

“The weaponisation of children for terrorism and criminality, trafficking, sexual slavery and the exploitation of displaced women and girls are unacceptable affronts to our collective humanity,” she stated.

The minister commended the efforts of the Armed Forces and security agencies, expressing confidence in their ability to bring perpetrators to justice and provide protection for affected communities.
She also highlighted progress made in strengthening legal frameworks against sexual and gender-based violence, revealing that the Child Rights Act has now been domesticated in all 36 states, while the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act has been adopted in 35 states.

According to her, ongoing reviews of both laws are aimed at addressing emerging threats such as online exploitation and technology-enabled abuse.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the ministry has expanded support services for survivors, strengthened advocacy campaigns and enhanced coordination under the Women, Peace and Security Agenda through collaboration with state governments, civil society groups, traditional institutions and religious organisations.

While assuring survivors of access to justice, healthcare, psychosocial support and economic reintegration programmes, she stressed that preventive measures remain critical to tackling the problem.

She called for improved early warning mechanisms, safer learning environments, stronger digital protection systems and sustained public awareness campaigns to curb violence before it occurs.

The minister further urged security agencies, judicial authorities, healthcare providers, schools, humanitarian organisations and development partners to work together in preventing abuse and prosecuting offenders.

She also appealed to entertainers, media practitioners, digital content creators and social media influencers to use their platforms to promote positive values and raise awareness about the protection of women and children.

Calling for increased investment in Sexual Assault Referral Centres, shelters, legal aid services, forensic capabilities and technology-driven reporting systems, Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the fight against conflict-related sexual violence as both a moral obligation and a national security priority.

She urged Nigerians to support survivors, challenge harmful social norms and contribute to building a society free from violence, exploitation and fear.

“Our goal must be a nation where every survivor receives justice and healing, and where every woman and child can live in safety, dignity and hope,” the minister ended.