Presidency seeks reforms to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence

Special Adviser to the President on Health, Salma Anas

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The Presidency has called for immediate policy action to address long-standing gaps in government and humanitarian support for survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in the North-East.

The Senior Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Health, Dr Salma Anas, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the unveiling of a new comprehensive report titled Status of and Opportunities for Reparations for Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence.

Anas said the report provides “an in-depth analysis of survivors’ perceptions and expectations of reparations” and offers practical, context-specific guidance for policymakers designing survivor-centred programmes.

The presidential aide emphasised that the report should serve as a catalyst for action.

She said, “The objective of this event is to drive policy action, mobilise support for survivor-centred interventions, and promote reforms that advance justice for CRSV survivors.

“The findings present a rare opportunity for government agencies, partners and humanitarian organisations to reshape their approach by placing survivors at the centre of every decision.”

It will also expand flexible education opportunities, scaling psychosocial and medical support, and investing in sustainable reintegration programmes.

In her remarks, the National Coordinator of the Women and Children Conflict Survivors Foundation, Dr. Denis Mukwege, stressed the emotional significance of the study for victims.

She said the research “reflects more than data. It carries our stories, our hopes and our concerns. Many of us chose to participate because we wanted the truth of what we experienced to be documented.

“We wanted our needs to be understood. And we wanted to help build a future where survivors are not met with silence or stigma, but with support, dignity and justice.

“We hope it marks the beginning of concrete action—action that responds to our priorities, supports our healing, and strengthens our sense of dignity and agency.:

Conducted by dRPC in partnership with Explore Aid, the Grassroots Researchers Association and the Global Survivors Fund, the research is one of the most detailed reviews of reparations needs in Nigeria’s North-East.

According to dRPC, the report offers Nigeria a crucial chance to close long-standing gaps in survivor support and align national responses with global best practices for addressing conflict-related sexual violence.

Drawing on interviews with 82 survivors from Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, the centre said the study exposes the long-term physical, psychological, social and economic burdens many continue to carry.

The report amplifies the experiences and expectations of survivors of Boko Haram–related sexual violence and highlights their urgent humanitarian, economic and justice needs.

Survivors also detailed critical priorities for any reparations initiative, including access to food, shelter, healthcare, education, psychosocial and spiritual healing, support for reintegration, economic empowerment and formal recognition of the harm they suffered — including justice and an apology.

Olugbenga is a fine-grained journalist with over nine years of experience. He loves the smell of a good lead and has a penchant for finding out interesting good reports.

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