Alarming Reality: 31% of Nigerian Women Aged 15-49 Face Physical Violence, Minister Reveals
In a stark revelation highlighting the persistent crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, announced that 31% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence, while over 28% have suffered sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. These figures, shared during a visit to Ogun State’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) on September 10, 2025, underscore the urgent need for intensified action against a pervasive issue affecting millions of women across the country.
The minister’s statement, delivered amid ongoing efforts to combat GBV under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, paints a grim picture of the challenges Nigerian women face daily. Despite legislative progress and increased awareness, these statistics reflect a “stark reality” where violence remains deeply entrenched in societal norms, family structures, and economic vulnerabilities.
The Shocking Statistics: Breaking Down the Numbers
Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s disclosure draws from national surveys, including the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which remains a key reference for GBV data in the absence of a full 2023 update. According to the minister, the 31% figure for physical violence includes acts such as slapping, beating, or other forms of harm inflicted by intimate partners, family members, or strangers. The 28% rate for sexual violence encompasses non-consensual acts, ranging from harassment to rape, often occurring in homes or communities.
These numbers align with earlier reports. The NDHS 2018 found that 31% of women aged 15-49 had experienced physical violence since age 15, with 9% reporting sexual violence—though the minister’s updated lifetime estimate suggests a slight rise, possibly due to underreporting in prior data. A 2012 CLEEN Foundation survey echoed this, noting 31% of women as victims of domestic violence, including physical and sexual forms.
When combined, experts estimate that up to 30-37% of Nigerian women have faced some form of physical or sexual violence, making it one of the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Intimate partner violence (IPV) accounts for the majority, with 23-30% of cases involving husbands or boyfriends, according to a 2022 BMC Women’s Health study.
Underreporting exacerbates the issue. Only about 10-20% of incidents are reported to authorities, due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and lack of trust in the justice system. In conflict zones like the Northeast, where insurgency displaces communities, rates can climb to 40-50%, per UNFPA data.
Context: Roots of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria
Nigeria’s GBV crisis stems from a complex mix of cultural, economic, and structural factors. Patriarchal norms in many communities view women as subordinate, justifying violence as a form of “discipline.” Economic dependence plays a role; with over 60% of women in informal or low-wage jobs, leaving abusive situations is often impossible.
Childhood exposure is alarmingly high. The 2014 Violence Against Children Survey revealed that 1 in 4 girls experiences sexual violence before age 18, with 70% facing multiple incidents. In humanitarian settings, such as IDP camps, risks escalate due to overcrowding and weak law enforcement.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened trends, with a 149% surge in reported GBV cases during the 2020 lockdown, according to UNODC. Recent economic pressures, including 34% inflation, have strained households, potentially fueling more IPV.
Legally, Nigeria has made strides. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) of 2015 criminalizes various forms of GBV, and 35 states have domesticated it. However, enforcement remains uneven, with only 1 in 10 convictions leading to meaningful justice.
Minister’s Remarks: A Call to Action
During her Ogun State visit, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that these “are not mere statistics; they are daughters, sisters, mothers, and neighbors.” She praised facilities like the SARC and Women Development Centre, which provide medical, legal, and counseling support, noting Ogun’s model integrates healing with empowerment.
Under Tinubu’s agenda, the ministry is rolling out Social Impact Intervention Programmes to restore dignity and expand opportunities for survivors. The minister urged stakeholders—government, NGOs, and communities—to act with “compassion and commitment,” highlighting the need for urgent, multi-sectoral responses.
Ogun’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, echoed this, stating that “healing must go hand in hand with rebuilding” to break the cycle of violence.
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Experts view the figures as a wake-up call. Dr. Kemi Ogunleye, a gender studies professor at the University of Lagos, told local media that cultural tolerance for violence perpetuates the crisis, calling for mandatory education in schools and community sensitization. UNICEF Nigeria’s 2024 factsheet stresses that GBV prevention requires addressing root causes like poverty and inequality, noting 1 in 3 women globally—and in Nigeria—face such harms.
Public reaction on social media has been intense. On X, #EndGBVInNigeria trended post-announcement, with users like @WomensRightsNG posting: “31% is too high—time for real change!” Activists from groups like the Sexual Violence Project Nigeria (SVPN) highlighted underreporting, with their 2024 survey showing 48.5% of women experiencing sexual violence before age 10. However, some critics questioned the government’s pace, tweeting calls for faster VAPP implementation.
International bodies like UNDP and Pathfinder International advocate for data-driven interventions, such as unified GBV dashboards launched in 2020 to track cases nationwide. A 2023 Pathfinder report noted that strengthening SARCs has helped, but funding gaps persist.
Broader Implications: A National and Global Crisis
GBV’s toll extends beyond victims. It costs Nigeria an estimated $5.5 billion annually in healthcare, lost productivity, and justice system burdens, per World Bank estimates. Survivors face higher risks of HIV, mental health issues, and intergenerational trauma, hindering national development.
For vulnerable groups—rural women, those with disabilities, and adolescents—the rates are even higher. In the Northeast, insurgency has displaced 2 million, amplifying risks. Online GBV, including harassment, surged 200% during the pandemic, per Paradigm Initiative.
Globally, Nigeria’s situation mirrors WHO data: 1 in 3 women worldwide experience violence, but Africa’s 37% regional average demands targeted action.
Government and Civil Society Efforts: Progress Amid Challenges
Nigeria has established over 50 SARCs since 2015, with Ogun’s facility as a model for integrated care. The National GBV Policy (2021) aims for zero tolerance, including training for police and judges. NGOs like WARIF provide free services, reporting thousands of cases annually.
Yet challenges remain: Weak enforcement, cultural stigma, and resource shortages limit impact. The minister’s visit signals renewed commitment, but experts call for increased funding—GBV budgets are under 1% of national spending.
Conclusion: Toward a Violence-Free Future
The revelation that 31% of Nigerian women endure physical violence, alongside 28% facing sexual assault, demands immediate, collective action. Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s call humanizes the data, urging a shift from statistics to survivor-centered solutions. With ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda and support from partners like UNICEF and UNDP, Nigeria has tools to curb this epidemic. However, true progress requires dismantling patriarchal norms, bolstering enforcement, and empowering communities. As the minister noted, GBV is a “community crisis” that undermines peace and development—ending it starts with accountability today, paving the way for safer tomorrows for Nigerian women and girls.