By Abubakar Yunusa
A human rights organisation, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), has called on policymakers, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and citizens to take urgent action against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria and across Africa.
In a statement signed by CHRICED’s Gender and Social Inclusion Officer, Falilat Adamu, the organisation emphasised that the issue should remain at the forefront of discussions, advocacy, and community engagements until the harmful practice is eradicated.
Adamu described FGM as more than just a cultural tradition, labelling it a “profound violation of human rights” that causes severe physical and psychological harm to millions of women and girls.
“The repercussions of FGM extend far beyond the immediate physical injuries,” she said.
“It leads to long-term health complications, emotional trauma, and social stigma that prevent affected individuals from leading fulfilling lives.”
Despite global efforts to eliminate the practice, FGM remains widespread.
According to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, about 20% of women aged 15 to 49 in the country have undergone FGM. Meanwhile, UNICEF reports that Nigeria has the third-highest number of women and girls affected by the practice worldwide.
Nigeria has taken significant steps to address FGM through legislation. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015 explicitly criminalises the practice, making it illegal to perform FGM on minors.
Additionally, the National Gender Policy prohibits FGM and other harmful traditional practices, reinforcing the government’s commitment to gender equality and the protection of women’s rights.
However, enforcement remains a challenge, as FGM continues to be deeply rooted in cultural beliefs in several communities. In some regions, the practice persists despite legal bans, putting millions of girls at risk.
FGM is not just a Nigerian issue but a global concern. Across Africa, more than 200 million women and girls have been subjected to the practice, with nearly three million at risk each year.
“These figures remind us that behind every statistic lies a story of pain and lost potential,” Adamu stated.
