FG to set up GBV safe spaces in all 774 local government areas

The Federal Government says it'll set up dedicated safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, announced the plan on Wednesday in Abuja during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between her ministry and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), in partnership with the New Era Foundation.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the safe spaces are part of a National Action Plan on GBV being developed to improve access to care, protection, and justice for survivors.

"A core component of this upcoming national action plan is the strategic establishment of dedicated safe spaces across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria to decentralise immediate care and protection," she said.

She explained that the centres will allow survivors to access immediate support, referral services, and protection closer to their communities, rather than having to travel long distances.

The government is also working on setting up regional mega-protection centres that'll provide medical, legal, psychosocial, and rehabilitation services under one roof.

"These centres will provide medical, legal, psychosocial and rehabilitation services under one roof to support recovery and access to justice," the minister said.

Mobile support teams will be deployed through the Women on Wheels initiative to reach underserved communities.

"Through Women on Wheels, we'll take trauma-informed care, psychosocial support and essential services closer to women and girls who need them most," Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

The minister revealed that between January and April 2026, 2,755 cases of gender-based violence and intimate partner violence were documented across the country. That works out to about 23 reported cases every day.

Only four per cent of formally reported cases have resulted in successful prosecution.

"This clearly highlights the need for stronger protection and accountability mechanisms," she said.

Women and girls make up more than 81 per cent of documented survivors, while sexual violence represents 82 per cent of recorded cases.

"This is a wake-up call. We must move beyond prevention to protection, rehabilitation and access to justice for survivors," Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

Dr Muyi Aina, CEO of NPHCDA, described GBV as a major public health and human rights challenge. He said survivors often suffer physical injuries, psychological trauma, and long-term social consequences.

"Gender-based violence leaves deep physical, emotional and social scars on survivors and their families," Aina said.

He said the partnership will provide survivors with healthcare, counselling, legal support, rehabilitation, and empowerment opportunities.

"This collaboration demonstrates the importance of integrating health, social welfare and community support systems in addressing GBV," he said.

Mrs Patricia Otuedon-Arawore, a Trustee of the New Era Foundation, said the foundation's Patients' Home in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, will serve as a rehabilitation centre for survivors. The facility was originally built to support vulnerable women with temporary shelter and empowerment. It's now being repositioned as a safe recovery space for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

"The facility is now being repositioned to offer safety, recovery and hope to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence," Otuedon-Arawore said.

The centre will provide an environment for healing, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Esuabana Nko-Asanye, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing challenges facing vulnerable women and girls. She said collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and civil society is essential to tackle GBV effectively.