In 2015, Nigeria made progress in protecting citizens from violence by enacting the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act — a landmark law addressing rape, domestic violence, harmful traditional practices, and other forms of abuse. Many states have since passed the VAPP Act locally, showing a commitment to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
However, in several states, there’s a silent gap that weakens this progress: the law is passed but not gazetted.
What does this mean?
Passing the law means the State House of Assembly has approved it and the Governor has signed it. But gazetting is the final step — it means the law is officially published in the government’s record, making it enforceable by the police, courts, and service providers.
When a law is not gazetted:
– Many officers and courts say they can’t apply it fully because they don’t have an official copy.
– Survivors may find that justice processes are delayed or ignored.
– Budget and training for support services like SARCs are often stalled.
The impact is real:
A survivor in a state where the law is passed but not gazetted might walk into a police station and be told, “We can’t help you — we don’t have the law yet.”
This is why gazetting is not just paperwork — it is a matter of protection and justice.
Where does your state stand?
– ✅ 32 states have passed and gazetted the VAPP Act.
– ⚠️ 4 states have passed but not gazetted it.
– ❌ 1 state has not passed it at all.
What can you do?
– Contact your Governor and House of Assembly to demand immediate gazetting.
– Educate others — talk about the importance of the VAPP Act.
– Share this post widely so more people know what’s at stake.
📄 You can also download the latest VAPP compliance document to see your state’s status and share it with your community.
Together, we can turn laws on paper into real protection for everyone.
Attribution:
This content is part of “The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II”, funded by the European Union and implemented by International IDEA.