Everyone deserves to live without fear, yet in Nigeria, a disturbing rise in femicide has plunged women into constant fear, leaving them uncertain about whom to trust, even among their closest relatives. The United Nations’ latest global femicide report reveals that one woman is killed every 10 minutes by an intimate partner or family member, with 85,000 women and girls intentionally murdered in 2023 alone.

While poor documentation obscures official statistics, rising reports on social media indicate a worsening crisis. Despite existing laws against violence in Nigeria, none specifically address gender-motivated killings, leaving victims without adequate protection. This legislative gap highlights the urgent need for a targeted femicide law—one that is precise, enforceable, and essential for safeguarding personal liberty and ensuring swift justice.

Recent research by DocumentWomen ranks Nigeria fifth among the top ten countries with the highest femicide rates. In 2024, the DOHS Cares Foundation verified 133 suspected cases of gender-related killings, a figure Ololade Ajayi, the foundation’s founder, believes could be three times higher due to severe underreporting. The reasons behind femicide in Nigeria are multifaceted, including ritual organ harvesting, intimate partner violence, inheritance disputes, and honour killings, all rooted in deep-seated structural inequities and cultural norms that devalue women. Meanwhile, existing legislation, such as the Nigerian Criminal Act and the Penal Code Act, remains vague and discriminatory, failing to address gender-motivated killings effectively.

In response to this crisis, the DOHS Cares Foundation submitted a 17-page bill in April 2024 to both the Lagos State House of Assembly and the National House of Assembly, urging the criminalisation of femicide. Nigeria must enact legislation specifically designed to combat femicide. This law should be developed in close consultation with legal experts, human rights organisations, and grassroots women’s groups to define gender-motivated violence clearly. Once enacted, specialised units within the Nigerian Police Force must be trained to investigate these crimes rigorously, and an independent judicial oversight committee should be established to monitor prosecutions and ensure accountability. This coordinated approach will ensure that every act of gender-motivated violence—whether committed by intimate partners or family members—faces strict and timely penalties.

Accurate documentation is essential for prosecuting femicide cases effectively, yet Nigeria’s efforts are hampered by a lack of comprehensive data, leading to reliance on international sources. To bridge this gap, the government should establish a centralised digital database consolidating reports from law enforcement, hospitals, and civil society groups. Collaborating with private organisations can strengthen expertise and resource allocation. Additionally, a toll-free hotline and mobile app would enable anonymous reporting of femicide cases, while mandatory reporting protocols for police and healthcare providers would reduce underreporting. Regular public reports and data analysis should inform policies, ensuring timely intervention in femicide cases.

Equally important is a nationwide sensitisation campaign to reinforce the view that women deserve equal rights and respect. All citizens must be encouraged to report gender-based violence, especially within families, and informed that covering up such crimes to protect a family member or preserve a reputation is unacceptable. This initiative is crucial in dismantling the culture of silence and confronting societal norms that prioritise reputation over justice. By fostering a collective stance against femicide, it sends a powerful message that no perpetrator can rely on family protection, ultimately deterring potential offenders.

Addressing femicide goes beyond enacting a law; it requires a cultural shift and a commitment to human dignity. Nigeria must implement rigorous documentation, specialised training, and independent oversight to break the cycle of impunity that enables gender-based violence. However, true progress demands collective action from the government, civil organisations, and citizens to create a society where accountability for human rights is non-negotiable. Success will not be measured solely by legal reforms but by a future where Nigerian families experience safety, respect, and justice as everyday realities. The time for change is now!

Balikis Anoba is a writing fellow at African Liberty.