Abuja – The Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), an NGO, has urged the Federal Government to appropriate funds toward the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAAP) Act.
Mrs Saudatu Mahdi, the Secretary General of the NGO, made the call in Abuja at a workshop on the adoption of multi-sectoral approach framework for the implementation of the protocol on VAPP Act.
She said budgetary allocation for the implementation of the law would help survivors of violence to have a safety net.
She added that “we want to implore government to demonstrate political will in this regard.
“We have had the law enacted but we need government to ensure budgetary appropriation for implementation of the act.
“For example, if the Ministry of Health brings a proposal for the construction of toilet in Federal Government Colleges to cater for both boys and girls separately, there will be no problem with regards to fund.
“We also need the executive arm to have institutional mechanism to ensure that survivors of violence have a safety net.
“We want the police to be empowered in such a way that when there is need for them to do investigation, they will not be looking for papers or money to take samples to anywhere.
“There should be adequate equipment and technology in place.’’
She further urged state governments to take a cue from the Federal Government by domesticating the law without alteration.
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Mahdi, who said that the act’s workability was the responsibility of all, noted that “the VAPP Act is one of the progressive laws in Nigeria.’’
