FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION ASSESSEMENT IN NIGERIA: THE ADEQUACY OF THE LAW

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a germane problem experienced by women and girls not only peculiar to Nigeria but Africa at large. It is a violation of women and girls’ right and also a public health challenge it is a form of gender based violence against women and girls. Historically, in the Nigerian society FGM has been viewed as a norm because our culture encourages the act but in recent years due to the prevalence of FGM in Nigeria and the risks associated with it. It has gained both domestic and international concern as a form of gender based violence against women. Using the doctrinal approach, this paper analyses female genital mutilation in Nigeria, the rationale for the practice,, types, effects and also peruses the international and domestic legal framework for FGM in the Nigerian society with a view to determine the adequacy or otherwise of these laws in combating FGM in Nigeria .This paper also finds that there is a legal framework for FGM in Nigeria but most of the laws on FGM are either obsolete or inadequate to cover the cases which falls under the purview of FGM in Nigeria. This paper concludes by recommending that the obsolete laws on FGM be repealed while a new one be re-enacted and duly implemented, while the inadequate laws be amended to include the emerging issues arising from incidences of FGM and adequate sanctions be added as punishment for the perpetrators of such act against women and girls.