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ABSTRACT
Female genital mutilation is a barbaric cultural practice found around the world. It contravenes women’s rights in a violent and obvious manner and is a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of millions of girls in Nigeria. This research examines the nature of female genital mutilation, its effects on its victims and the need for it to be addressed. It also discussed the four different forms of female genital mutilation which include Type I, Type II, Type III and Type IV. This work further examines the laws available for the eradication of female genital mutilation and the impediments affecting the enforcement of these laws in Nigeria. This work finds that Nigeria’s 2015 Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, specifically prohibits FGM and other forms of violence including forceful ejection from homes and harmful widowhood practices. This research brings to light female genital mutilation as a dreaded and dangerous traditional practice that is still waxing strong in some parts of Nigeria, and Africa generally. Legal enforcement is acknowledged as necessary but insufficient, for eradicating female genital mutilation. This work recommends further that local and international bodies should strengthen their campaign to enhance the elimination of FGM. The Federal government should enforce the existing law promulgated against female genital mutilation at both medical and traditional centers. The research concludes that proper punishments should henceforth be given to violators of the law.
