Nigeria’s National Sexual Offender & Service Provider Database (NSOD) represents an important step in public safety. In response to widespread impunity and underreporting of sexual offenses, the federal government established the National Sex Offenders Register (NSOR) in November 2019 under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP Act) domiciled with National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. (NAPTIP.)  The NSOD builds upon earlier state level efforts in Lagos and Ekiti. It records individuals who have been reported, arraigned, or convicted under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Act (2015), making this information accessible to everyone—women, men, girls, boys, and institutions. The purpose of the NSOD is wide reaching and it includes

• To name and shame perpetrators of sexual offenders publicly.
• To send a strong message of deterrent to the public that those who engage in sexual and gender based violence will pay a heavy price.
• To create a centralized database that supports policy and programmatic responses to SGBV.
• To support law enforcement, employers, and institutions in background checks.
• To document individuals reported, arraigned, or convicted for sexual offenses.

The database comprises two key sections:

• A Sex Offender Register, which provides free public access to details of convicted individuals and paid access (₦500/request) to those still arraigned or reported.
• A Service Provider Register is the register with a list of verified organisations that provide response or support to survivors of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. These organizations include Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), counselling centres, shelters, legal aid providers, etc.

To stay informed or report someone, visit nsod.naptip.gov.ng and use the “Report an Incident” form or call 0800 2255 6278 47.

Why This Matters to You

The NSOD empowers everyone in Nigeria, individuals and institutions alike by publicly showing the identity of Sexual offenders in order to help make informed decisions about hiring, engaging with or being around these offenders. This is particularly helpful for law enforcement in the case of investigation and monitoring, and for child protection services. This list will be valuable to you if you are:

• A parent choosing a caregiver,
• A business owner hiring staff,
• A school administrator vetting teachers,
• A health worker assessing volunteers,

Over 600 cases have been recorded, spanning convictions, ongoing trials, and investigations. Though only a few states regularly update offender details, this national platform sets a standard of transparency and encourages states to keep pace.

The NSOD is a groundbreaking tool in Nigeria’s fight against sexual violence. With stronger implementation, broader awareness, and cross-sector collaboration, it has the potential to shift cultural norms, drive accountability, and provide survivors with the justice they deserve. This register is about accountability, prevention, and protecting vulnerable groups.