The CLEEN Foundation has called for the establishment of a statutory agency to implement the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Enugu State.
The NGO said the agency would help address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other forms of injustice across the state. CLEEN Foundation Executive Director Peter Maduoma made the call during a two-day State-Level Policy Dialogue in Enugu.
The dialogue had the theme, “Bridging the VAPP Law Implementation Gap – Strengthening Capacity, Institutional Compliance, and Duty-Bearer Accountability.”
CLEEN Foundation Seeks Statutory VAPP Agency
Maduoma, represented by Senior Programme Officer Nnamdi Odo, said Enugu needed stronger institutions to implement its VAPP Law.
He said the state could achieve lasting impact by moving beyond the existing VAPP Taskforce. According to him, the government should establish a fully operational statutory agency as provided under Part 5, Section 40 of the Enugu State VAPP Law 2019.
Maduoma said the agency would provide permanent legal and institutional support for VAPP implementation. He added that it would also strengthen survivor support and accountability across the state’s 17 local government areas.
The CLEEN Foundation therefore called on the Enugu State Government to establish the agency without delay. It also urged the government to provide dedicated annual funding for VAPP implementation.
Foundation Demands Dedicated VAPP Funding
Maduoma said the state budget should contain specific capital and operational allocations for VAPP implementation. He identified several areas that require sustained funding.
These include the statutory agency and Victim Trust Fund. The funding should also support Local Government Protection Officers and Sexual Assault Referral Centres.
The CLEEN Foundation further called for free medical, legal and psychological rehabilitation for survivors. It also sought continued capacity building for law enforcement officers and judicial personnel.
The foundation said these measures would strengthen the state’s response to violence against persons. It also stressed the need for institutions to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
CLEEN Foundation Commends Enugu Government
Despite its concerns, the foundation commended the Enugu State Government for efforts to tackle violence. Maduoma particularly praised the government for establishing the Enugu State VAPP Law Implementation Taskforce. He described the taskforce as an important step toward strengthening VAPP implementation in the state.
The call for stronger VAPP structures comes as stakeholders continue to push for better protection of vulnerable people. Similar discussions around governance and accountability have also featured in recent Enugu developments.
For more on developments in the state, read Enugu Has No Confirmed Diphtheria Case, Health Commissioner Says.
NAPTIP Calls for Stronger VAPP Compliance
The Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Enugu Zonal Command, Ukpai Awa, also spoke at the event.
Awa called for stronger compliance with the VAPP Law and sustainable funding for its implementation. He urged stakeholders to develop practical solutions that would improve implementation across the state.
According to him, effective implementation could help make Enugu and its local government areas safer. He said the goal should be to promote human dignity, justice and protection for all residents.
Awa also commended the CLEEN Foundation for promoting human rights and justice. He said its efforts extended beyond Enugu to the South-East and Nigeria at large.
FIDA Seeks More Advocacy and Safe Shelters
Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, Enugu State Branch, Barrister Annie Enweani, also called for stronger action.
Enweani urged stakeholders to increase advocacy and funding for the VAPP Law. She also called for safe shelters where victims can receive protection and support.
She encouraged women and family members to speak out when their rights are violated. Enweani also urged community and religious leaders to support human rights and justice in their communities.
She said stronger community involvement would help improve responses to violence. It could also encourage victims to seek assistance instead of remaining silent.
CLEEN Foundation and Norwegian Embassy Organise Dialogue
The CLEEN Foundation organised the policy dialogue in partnership with the Norwegian Embassy. The meeting brought together stakeholders involved in human rights, justice and violence prevention.
The discussions focused on closing gaps in the implementation of the VAPP Law. Participants also examined institutional compliance, funding and accountability among duty bearers.
The Enugu State House of Assembly passed the domesticated VAPP Law in April 2019. The governor signed the legislation into law shortly afterward.
The CLEEN Foundation’s latest call seeks to strengthen the structures created to implement the law. It also seeks sustained funding and institutional support for survivors across Enugu State.
