The 2025 Womanity Index Report by Invictus Africa has revealed that Nigeria spent an average of N365.60 per woman or girl on preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) in 2024, a figure Executive Director Bukky Shonibare described as “grossly inadequate.” While Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa recorded the highest per capita spending, states like Rivers and Anambra ranked lowest, and overall allocations to ministries of women affairs averaged just 0.6 per cent of state budgets.
Experts warned that poor budget releases, weak support systems, lack of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, and limited witness protection are crippling GBV response nationwide, even as the report shows that 59 per cent of Nigerians have experienced GBV or know someone who has. They urged governments to increase funding, rely on accurate data, and ensure timely spending to protect survivors and strengthen justice systems.