Rule of Law and Anti- Corruption Programme in Nigeria

International IDEA launched Phase II of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, funded by the EU, in 2023 to bolster the rule of law, combat corruption, reduce gender-based violence, and promote human rights and inclusivity in Nigeria. 

The programme pursued high-level engagements with the National Assembly, Nigeria’s parliament, to call for appropriate funding and oversight for the implementation of legislation that provides robust protection and social welfare for victims of violence and stringent punitive measures to punish and deter perpetrators. In partnership with the UN Development Programme and the EU–UN Spotlight Initiative, the programme also organized a parliamentary summit in November 2023.

The programme held its annual Network Conference of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) in November 2023 in Abuja, bringing together over 90 SARC managers and commissioners of state ministries of health, women’s affairs and justice to review the centres’ effectiveness. SARCs provide immediate medical treatment, counselling and follow-up support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The programme also supported the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons in organizing a group mental health therapy session for 60 front-line officers (including prosecutors and investigators), where some of the officers processed their trauma for the first time in their careers.

Previously, Phase I of the programme saw collaboration with state and non-state actors to advocate policy and practical changes, resulting in the passage of 23 laws. Additionally, the first phase of the programme impacted 35,000 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence by supporting the establishment and operation of sexual assault and referral centres.