Legal and Cultural Barriers to Protecting Women from Sexual Violence in Nigeria: A Human Rights Perspective

Despite recent legislative reforms, sexual violence against women in Nigeria remains widespread and is often underreported. This research examines the legal, institutional, and cultural barriers that hinder adequate protection for women against sexual violence from a human rights perspective. The study focuses on Nigeria's dualist legal system, which upholds the applicability of the national legal framework, including the Criminal Code and Penal Code, as well as the 2015 Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act. It compares with South Africa's monist system, where international treaties like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women are directly enforceable. This legal research draws on a documentary review of statutory materials, court judgments, and reports from relevant stakeholders, It also highlight several institutional challenges, including the lack of legal aid, incomplete implementation of the VAPP Act (with only 18 out of 36 states having adopted it), and the stigma that discourages victims from reporting incidents of violence. The research recommends a multifaceted strategy that includes legal harmonization across jurisdictions, public education on women's rights, and strengthening enforcement institutions. These measures are essential to promote gender justice and fulfil Nigeria's human rights obligations.