Female genital mutilation is a crime, not a choice, says CHELD

The Centre for Health, Ethics, Law and Development (CHELD) has strongly condemned recent public comments by a prominent figure endorsing female genital mutilation (FGM), describing such statements as dangerous and misleading.

In a statement released on Friday, the organisation expressed concern that the remarks could undermine Nigeria’s progress in tackling harmful traditional practices, particularly FGM, which has been criminalised nationwide. CHELD warned that narratives portraying the practice as beneficial risk reversing years of advocacy, policy implementation, and community engagement aimed at safeguarding the rights and health of women and girls.

The group reiterated that FGM is a form of gender-based violence with no medical benefit, noting that it is linked to severe health complications such as infections, chronic pain, childbirth difficulties, psychological trauma, and, in extreme cases, death. It stressed that claims suggesting otherwise contradict established medical and scientific evidence.

“FGM is a crime in Nigeria. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP Act) explicitly prohibits all forms of FGM and prescribes penalties for individuals who perform, aid, or abet the practice,” said CHELD.

“All States have adopted the VAPP Act, or have Laws criminalizing Gender-based violence including FGM , reinforcing its illegality across jurisdictions. Promoting or normalizing FGM in any form undermines the rule of law and weakens collective efforts to eliminate violence against Nigerian women and girls.”

CHELD also highlighted the legal implications, pointing to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015, which bars all forms of FGM and prescribes penalties for offenders. According to the organisation, the adoption of similar laws across states reinforces the illegality of the practice and underscores the need for strict enforcement.

The organisation expressed particular concern about the influence of public figures, noting that their statements could reinforce harmful beliefs and slow ongoing efforts to eliminate FGM. It said such comments could confuse individuals already working to abandon the practice or unlearn long-standing cultural norms.

While acknowledging that cultural beliefs evolve over time, CHELD maintained that harmful practices cannot be justified on cultural or personal grounds when they violate human rights and endanger lives.

The group called on public figures to exercise responsibility in their statements, urging government agencies to strengthen enforcement of existing laws. It also appealed to media organisations to promote accurate information, while encouraging community and religious leaders to intensify advocacy against harmful practices.

CHELD further urged Nigerians to reject narratives that normalise FGM and to support efforts aimed at its eradication, warning that any regression could erode the significant progress already made.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing human rights, mental health, and the protection of vulnerable populations, stressing the need for a society where women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.