The Lagos State government, in collaboration with the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has unveiled a policy framework targeted at preventing and responding to technology-facilitated sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The multisectoral Technical Working Group (TWG) was launched at the event to drive the implementation of the policy.
The framework, described as the first of its kind at the sub-national level in Nigeria, seeks to address the rising cases of digital abuse, including cyber stalking, online grooming, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, digital extortion, and other forms of technology-enabled violations disproportionately affecting women and girls.
Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the policy marks a major milestone in the state’s commitment to protecting residents in physical and digital spaces.
“Technology has transformed communication, but it has also introduced new pathways for harm,” she said.
“Cyberstalking, non-consensual image sharing, digital extortion, and online grooming are real and pervasive. As a State, we must ensure that our protections evolve as rapidly as the threats confronting our citizens.”
Vivour-Adeniyi noted that the development of the policy was supported by the European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme implemented by International IDEA. She added that launching the policy on Human Rights Day reinforced Lagos’ commitment to safeguarding digital rights.
She highlighted the objectives of the framework, which include strengthening prevention, reporting, investigation, and response mechanisms; enhancing the capacity of key stakeholders; and promoting collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and the private sector.
First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, commended DSVA for its foresight in addressing the rapidly evolving risks associated with technology and social media. She described TF-SGBV as “real, evolving, and deeply destructive,” particularly for women, children, and vulnerable groups.
“The unveiling of this policy framework is a bold and timely step to protect human dignity in both physical and digital spaces,” she said. “As we intensify efforts during the 16 Days of Activism, this policy provides a blueprint for a Lagos where online spaces are safe and perpetrators whether behind screens or on the streets are held accountable.”
Mrs Ibijoke also referenced recent visits to rehabilitation centres, NGOs, and frontline support facilities in Majidun, Igbogbo, Ebutte, Ikorodu, and Alakara as part of her advocacy. She praised the dedication of service providers and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening systems that support survivors.
The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), described the launch as a step to align the state’s justice system with emerging global trends. He noted that technology-facilitated violence has become a rapidly growing threat, citing global and national statistics that show a significant rise in online abuse targeting women and girls.
“Technology must never become a weapon for committing crimes or humiliation. The law must keep pace with human behaviour, even when that behaviour migrates to the digital realm. If SGBV goes online, justice will follow it there,”he said.
He added that the Ministry of Justice remains fully committed to ensuring prosecution of offenders, while the newly inaugurated TWG will strengthen digital investigative capacity, enhance referrals, and ensure survivor-centered implementation of the framework.
Representing the Commissioner of Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mary Ayim, reiterated the commitment of the Police Command to enforcing the policy and tackling SGBV in all its forms. She noted that the Gender Unit of the Command, supported by DSVA, has become a model for other states.
“As law enforcement professionals, we increasingly confront crimes that occur across digital platforms. This policy is a strategic step toward strengthening our investigative and operational frameworks to ensure accountability and protect victims,” she added.
Justice Abiola Soladoye, who represented the Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, assured continued support from the judiciary. She commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.
“Lagos State’s judiciary will always support all that is excellent,” she said. She urged police officers to improve commitment to court processes by ensuring Investigating Police Officers (IPOs) appear in court to testify. “Justice delayed is justice denied. We must work together to keep the wheel of justice rolling,” she said.
