FG Opens Sexual Offenders’ Register To Report Rape, Other Issues

FG Takes Strong Action Against Sexual Abuse

The Federal Government of Nigeria on Monday unveiled the sexual offender register for victims and the general public to report sexual offences.

The register which will contain the names and pictures of persons convicted of sexual offences in the country is part of moves to curb sexual abuse in Nigeria, Naija News understands.

The register was unveiled in Abuja on Monday by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in conjunction with the European Union and the Nigeria Police Force, among other partners including the ministry of women affairs and social development, National Centre for Women Development and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Represented at the event by the Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Dayo Apata, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo urged Nigerians to make use of the platform to report cases of sexual abuse.

He said: “Although times and contexts may differ, women and girls all the world experience rape and sexual violence abuse but only a small percentage of these get reported because when women come forward, they are still called liars, troublemakers and their names are blacklisted. This is why the exact number of sexual abuse victims is difficult to confirm.

“While we must ensure that abusers are identified and punished, the greater part of the effort should go into ensuring that we prevent the abuse from happening in the first place by proactively identifying the risk factors. With the assistance of strategic partners like the European Union and the British Council, the Presidency in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has been supporting the establishment of sexual and gender-based violence response team to ensure the effective coordination of responses in Nigeria.

“There are steps that we all must take to avoid all forms of abuse which include challenging degrading references to women, opposing the culture of blaming victims and if you witness a sexual assault, call the police.”

Click here to access the register.

Similarly, the NAPTIP Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli, noted that it is hoped that the register will go a long way in curbing all forms of sexual abuse in the country.

She added that employers of labour would also be able to check the register to conduct background checks on people they intend to employ.

“The name-and-shame policy that is attached to this register will deter many people from this offence. For those that are convicted, their full particulars will be on the register; while those who are arrested or charged would also have a place in a section of the register. I expect that employers of labour will go through the register to ensure the kind of people they employ.

“The register will be made public and open to everyone but there is a restricted place for those who were not convicted but were reported or with cases in court, which can be accessed by paying an administrative fee,” she said.