KANO (North-West, Nigeria) — The Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, NACTAL, a coalition of Non Governmental Organizations working to protect children and vulnerable persons from exploitation, has called on the Kano State House of Assembly to expedite action to ensure the speedy passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP bill into law in the state.
The Kano State Coordinator of the network, Muhammad Mashi made the call during the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism organized by National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP and other partners in Kano.
Mashi said the passage of the VAPP law became imperative to protect the children and vulnerable, while expressing worry over the rampant cases of violations in the state.
He said NAPTIP alone has received more than 2,000 cases of violations against persons, hence the need for the VAPP law to curb the violations.
According to him, “We are requesting for the passage of the VAPP law. The issue of the VAPP law is very very serious. NAPTIP alone has received more than 2,000 cases of violations against persons. This is what is ongoing now.
“We requested the Honourable Speaker to give this matter an expedite action so as to save us, our children, women, and others from this menace.
“We feel with you around as the engine room of the house, we have no doubt that this bill will pass smoothly and then hope before the end of next month we have course to all celebrate.
“We also look forward to the state house of assembly forwarding it to the Governor for assent. This is what we are requesting,” he said.
He commended the assembly for the passage of the child right law in the state, while appealing for the quick inauguration of the Child Right Implementation Committee to ensure implementation of the law in the state.
Similarly, the Co-Chairman of a group, Side by Side movement for Gender Justice, Rev. Samuel Adeyemo said the VAPP bill if passed into law will force perpetrators to either relocate from the state or desist from perpetrating the crimes.
He said on it part, the group is deploying community vanguards across the 44 local government areas of the state to break the barrier and culture of silence and ensure perpetrators have no hidden place in the state.
Earlier, the Kano Zonal Commander, NAPTIP, Bar. Abdullahi Babale commended the Kano State House of Assembly for the ongoing process toward harmonising the Penal Code Laws and Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP).
He said the progressive move driven by leadership, consultation, and a genuine commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable—marks a major step forward in strengthening the State’s legal and institutional framework against violence.
“We appreciate the Right Honourable Speaker for championing this cause, and we applaud the Honourable Members for their dedication and foresight. Your efforts send a clear and powerful message: Kano State is prepared to modernize its laws, expand protections for survivors, and adopt a comprehensive approach to addressing all forms of violence.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Jibrin Falgore represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, Abdullahi Alpha assured the stakeholders of it commitment to look into the issues raised thoroughly for deliberation and consideration.
=============== END ===============