AN EXAMINATION OF THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR ADDRESSING INTIMATE PARTNER ABUSE IN NIGERIA

Intimate partner abuse (IPA) is a serious and persistent problem in Nigeria, deeply rooted in social, cultural, and legal contexts. Despite existing laws and institutions designed to protect victims, IPA continues to affect countless individuals, particularly women, revealing significant gaps between legal provisions and their implementation. This study examines Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework for addressing IPA, considering both domestic laws, such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and international and regional instruments, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Comparative insights from other countries’ approaches to IPA are also explored to identify best practices and lessons for Nigeria. The research highlights persistent challenges, such as weak enforcement, inadequate coordination among institutions, limited victim support services, and societal stigma, all of which undermine the effectiveness of legal protections. Through case studies, including the widely publicized Osinachi Nwachukwu case, the study illustrates the real-life consequences of these systemic weaknesses and the urgent need for reform. The findings suggest that addressing IPA in Nigeria requires more than legislation; it demands public education, capacity building for law enforcement and the judiciary, community engagement to challenge harmful gender norms, and enhanced support services for survivors. By situating Nigeria’s experience within the broader international context, the study demonstrates that meaningful progress against IPA depends on a combination of legal, institutional, and cultural interventions. The research concludes with practical recommendations aimed at strengthening both protection and prevention measures, ensuring that victims receive justice, and fostering a society where intimate partner abuse is no longer tolerated.