By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – As Nigeria joins the global community in observing the Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reiterated the need for stronger collaboration to eradicate this harmful practice.
Precise Post recalls that the theme for this year’s commemoration, “Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM,” was emphasized by the NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, in Abuja on February 6.
Dr. Ojukwu noted that the NHRC has consistently led efforts in addressing the painful, degrading, and harmful practice of FGM, highlighting its detrimental impact on women and girls, the statement signed by Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, NHRC, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed made available to Precise Post said.
The statement recalled that in 2017, the NHRC, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Civil Resource Development and Documentation Centre (CIRDDOC), published a comprehensive training manual to combat FGM. The manual, designed to address human rights and FGM-related issues, offers guidance for reporting cases of FGM, in line with internationally recognized standards.
Furthermore, Dr. Ojukwu revealed that with the backing of UNFPA and UNICEF, the NHRC had conducted training programs in five key states—Imo, Ebonyi, Osun, Oyo, and Ekiti. These initiatives, aimed at eliminating FGM, have seen positive shifts in communities, and the program will be expanded to other states, resources permitting.
“The participants in these trainings, including representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders, have contributed to important actions and reports to aid the fight against FGM,” Dr. Ojukwu explained.
Additionally, the NHRC’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence led to the establishment of the Special Independent Investigation Panel on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in 2019. Supported by the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative, this panel successfully heard cases from all six geopolitical zones, offering justice and empowerment to survivors through skill development and business support.
Dr. Ojukwu concluded by urging all Nigerians to report incidents of FGM and other human rights violations to the NHRC, using the Commission’s toll-free line, 6472, to ensure swift action and protection of victims’ rights in compliance with local and international laws.
