The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, has unveiled plans to introduce mobile courts as part of its strategy to combat cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and other related offenses in the country. Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, the Minister of Women Affairs, made this announcement during a briefing in Abuja.
Minister Kennedy-Ohaneye emphasized that the introduction of mobile courts is a crucial step in their efforts to address SGBV effectively. She noted that despite ongoing advocacy and financial investments, SGBV cases continue to persist, highlighting the need for a more practical approach to ensure justice is served.
Under this proposed system, when victims report incidents of SGBV, law enforcement agencies will take immediate action by making arrests. Subsequently, the victims will be transported to a hospital for medical examination to confirm their claims. Once the medical examination has been conducted, mobile courts will step in to expedite the legal process, ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly.
The Minister further outlined her reform agenda, which includes initiatives she aims to accomplish within her first 100 days in office. She emphasized the importance of changing the narrative regarding interventions for grassroots women. Instead of short-term aid, the Ministry intends to collaborate with women’s cooperatives to implement empowerment projects that can be sustained beyond initial government support.
Kennedy-Ohaneye cited examples such as shifting from distributing sanitary towels to establishing sanitary pad production ventures and providing charcoal burners and biogas stoves to rural women rather than merely supplying gas cylinders. These measures are part of the Ministry’s long-term approach to addressing the needs of women and children in a sustainable manner.
In a separate meeting with representatives from students’ unions, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of Nigerian women, girls, and boys. She also expressed her unwavering support for justice in cases of sexual harassment in the country. The introduction of mobile courts is expected to contribute significantly to ensuring that perpetrators of SGBV face legal consequences and that victims receive the support and justice they deserve.