Two weeks ago, I and colleagues in the gender justice community in Nigeria were appalled to hear that a bill to repeal the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), a law designed to curb gender-based violence in Nigeria, advanced to the second reading in the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Jibrin Isah representing Kogi East Senatorial District, has now been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, which is expected to report back within six weeks.

Since 2015, the VAPP Act has been a saving straw for women and other vulnerable persons in Nigeria. The Act has provided survivors of GBV with legal cause to seek redress and has, so far, emboldened several thousand women to report their cases for justice.

The Act has not only facilitated the prosecution of offenders but has also led to the establishment of sexual assault referral centers, protective shelters, and support services that have transformed the lives of many women and their families.

Speaking about the rationale for the bill, Senator Jibrin has said, “Going through the provisions of the Act, it is obvious that it is plagued by substantial and drafting challenges. This underscores the necessity for a holistic reform of the Act to bring the provisions in line with the realities of societal change and drafting standards to the effective dispensation of justice.” 

Although he has said his intention is good, the methodology is dangerous to the people whom he seeks to help.

Repealing the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), a law designed to curb gender-based violence in Nigeria, will undo 10 years of gender justice in Nigeria. It would also create a loophole for perpetrators of gender-based violence to exploit.

Precedence in the National Assembly has shown us that it would take several months (and possibly years) for a new VAPP Act to be instituted if the current Act gets repealed. 

This is why I invite you to join me in calling on the sponsor of the bill aimed at repealing the VAPP Act, Senator Jibrin Isah, to amend not repeal the Act!