..as Country ranks third globally in prevalence

Nearly 20 million women and girls in Nigeria have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), ranking the country third highest globally.

The southwestern part of Nigeria has the highest prevalence rate of the practice.

In response, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for greater male engagement in efforts to eliminate FGM.

Making this call, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of the UNICEF Lagos Field Office, spoke at a two-day media dialogue organized to support advocacy to end FGM in Nigeria.

She expressed concern over the alarming figure, noting that UNICEF cannot afford to be indifferent.

“Most of them were cut before their fifth birthday—at an age when they were completely powerless, unable to consent, resist, or even understand what was happening to them,” she said.

“Despite being outlawed in Nigeria, this harmful practice continues in many communities. It is fuelled by myths and traditions. But those myths and traditions must be recognised as harmful and abandoned.”

She argued that no culture or custom should come at the expense of girls’ health, rights, or future.

Lafoucriere commended initiatives such as the Movement for Good, led by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with UNICEF, describing them as a step in the right direction.

She stressed that ending FGM is both urgent and achievable, noting that it is never a choice but a violation inflicted on women and girls.

Giving his opening remarks, Rotimi Babalola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Edo State, urged journalists to avoid sensationalising reports on FGM, stating that balanced reporting could help in healing the psychological and emotional trauma of survivors.

He added that the media dialogue demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare of children and women, and society at large.

Babalola also appreciated the media for their past efforts, saying: “We have been seeing the reports we have been sending out, reaching our various organizations.”

Also speaking, UNICEF Communications Officer, Blessing Ejiofor, called for increased advocacy to eliminate FGM.

In the same vein, a UNICEF consultant, Mrs. Aderonke Olutayo, lamented the limited male engagement in FGM advocacy, noting that men and boys are often excluded from dialogues.

“Yet, men are key decision-makers in families. The lack of male champions in advocacy prolongs the acceptance of FGM. There is an urgent need to engage boys and fathers as advocates,” she maintained.