Edo Govt Begins VAPP Law Review, Moves to Tackle Emerging Forms of GBV

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has commenced a review of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, 2021, to strengthen legal protection against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and address emerging forms of abuse, particularly those facilitated by technology.

The review is being undertaken by the Edo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, following the inauguration of a Technical Working Group (TWG) on August 17, 2026.

At the first technical meeting of the TWG, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, represented by the Director of Women Affairs, Mrs Florence Nwaozor, said the review would help identify gaps in the existing law and strengthen its provisions to effectively respond to emerging forms of gender-based violence.

She said the TWG would undertake a section-by-section review of the 2021 law, strengthen provisions on victim protection and access to justice, improve sanctions for perpetrators and promote a gender-responsive and survivor-centred legal framework.

Presenting the proposed amendments, RoLAC Programme Officer, Mr Imonitie Omokhodion, said the exercise was designed to strengthen the existing VAPP Law rather than repeal it, while incorporating provisions to address emerging offences linked to technology and digital platforms.

According to him, the proposed amendments include an expanded definition of consent, clearer provisions on digital evidence and technology-driven abuse, as well as the harmonisation of penalties for offences such as rape and gang rape.

Omokhodion explained that the review would retain the existing numbering of the law while introducing new sub-sections, including Sections 4A and 31A, to accommodate additional provisions without affecting sections that remain unchanged.

Members of the TWG and other stakeholders also presented recommendations on gaps requiring attention, with the proposals expected to contribute to the final draft amendment bill before its presentation to the Edo State House of Assembly.

The review underscores the Edo State Government’s efforts to strengthen its legal and institutional response to gender-based violence, protect women and vulnerable persons, and improve access to justice and support for survivors.