Female Genital Mutilation as a Persisting Human Rights Concern in Nigeria: A Contemporary Appraisal

Abstract

Female genital mutilation is fundamentally a serious violation of the rights, dignity and bodily autonomy of women and girls in Nigeria. Although Nigeria has adopted a number of legal measures aimed at prohibiting the practice, FGM has persisted in many communities, showing that there is still a wide gap between the law and what is obtainable in practice. This study examines the legal and institutional framework for addressing FGM and other related harmful cultural practices in Nigeria. It considers the adequacy of existing laws, the institutions responsible for enforcement, and the social and cultural factors that continue to fan the embers of the practice. The study adopts a doctrinal research method and relies on relevant legislations, international and regional human rights instruments, judicial decisions and academic literature. It also draws comparative lessons from the United Kingdom, Ghana and Kenya. The study finds that, despite some important legal developments, enforcement has been deficient because of limited legislative coverage, poor public awareness, institutional shortcomings and the continuing influence of deep-seated patriarchal customs. The study argues that legislation alone cannot eliminate FGM and recommends stronger enforcement, better coordination among institutions, wider public education, community engagement and stronger implementation of Nigeria's international and regional human rights obligations.

Keywords

References