The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has intensified efforts to strengthen institutional mechanisms aimed at reducing domestic and gender-based violence, particularly within marital and household settings. This commitment was underscored during the National and Country Exchange Programme on Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls in Sub-Saharan Africa, where Mrs. Yetunde Odekunle, Team Lead of the Legal Unit at the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, presented the Lagos blueprint for the development and implementation of the Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) policy. The presentation highlighted Lagos State’s proactive, survivor-centred approach, integrating policy, cross-sector collaboration, and innovative reporting systems under the Governor’s administration.
Mrs. Odekunle explained that the blueprint emerged from a detailed situational analysis of reported cases between 2017 and 2019, which revealed patterns of underreporting due to stigma, fear of online virality, and distrust in digital investigations. Many survivors, she noted, abandoned cases midway, citing challenges in preserving digital evidence or doubts about law enforcement’s capacity to handle sensitive content effectively.
“The framework was developed to bridge these gaps and ensure that survivors of tech-enabled abuse can access justice safely, confidentially, and efficiently,” she said.
The presentation also addressed limitations in existing legislation, including provisions within the Criminal Law of Lagos State and domestic violence statutes. While some laws touched on child pornography or online harassment, none provided a comprehensive legal structure to address the rising menace of digital gender-based violence.
As a result, prosecutors often rely on lesser charges, such as “indecent publication” or “conduct likely to cause breach of peace,” which fail to reflect the gravity and complexity of technology-facilitated sexual violence. Mrs. Odekunle emphasised that “digital abuse is not merely online drama — it is real violence with physical, psychological, and sometimes fatal consequences.”
The development of the blueprint involved a wide range of stakeholders, including: Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Youth and Social Development and Ministry of Justice.
Civil society organisations (CSOs), academic institutions, health professionals, and international best-practice models were also integrated into the framework. “Our policy is globally informed but locally relevant,” Mrs. Odekunle noted, underscoring Lagos State’s commitment to harmonising regional and domestic strategies.
At the core of the framework is survivor protection. Reporting channels now include: A 24-hour toll-free line (0800 3333 3333), online and social media reporting platforms, Short codes, walk-in complaint centres and civil society referral pathways
To prevent secondary victimisation, the policy institutionalises trauma-informed investigation processes, survivor consent protocols, and strict digital evidence preservation standards, including metadata capture, device forensics collaboration, and chain-of-custody procedures. Beyond prosecution, the framework integrates psychosocial counselling, legal advisory services, safety planning, and, where necessary, shelter and rehabilitation support.
A Technical Working Group, established in December, now oversees the blueprint’s implementation. It operates through four specialised sub-committees focusing on: prevention and awareness, legal and justice reforms, survivor support services and digital and technical coordination
This structure ensures a coordinated, measurable, and responsive approach to emerging digital threats.
Mrs. Odekunle emphasised that government alone cannot tackle tech-facilitated abuse. Civil society organisations play a vital role in: Grassroots sensitisation and community outreach, translating policy provisions into accessible formats, connecting survivors to justice and support services, policy monitoring, research, and strategic advocacy
Many survivors reportedly feel more comfortable disclosing abuse to NGOs than government institutions. CSOs, therefore, act as a trust bridge, ensuring victims receive timely support and confidence in the justice system.
Participants at the exchange raised concerns about abuse in marginalised communities, including women who use drugs and fear reporting violence due to potential arrest or social backlash. Field workers described incidents in Ojuelegba and Yaba, where young women endure physical abuse normalised by local communities.
Mrs. Odekunle responded that abuse is a crime regardless of the survivor’s background. “Anyone can report — the survivor, a witness, or an advocate. The toll-free line is open 24 hours,” she said, reinforcing Lagos State’s inclusive approach to justice.
Disability advocates at the programme highlighted the need for accessible reporting systems for survivors with hearing or visual impairments. In response, the DSVA confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), providing interpreters and assistive tools to ensure full accessibility.
The Nigeria–Kenya exchange programme created a platform for cross-border learning and harmonised strategies against Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls (TFVAWG). Participants shared best practices, discussed accountability mechanisms, and explored ways to institutionalise regional collaboration for sustained impact.
While legal reforms remain central, Mrs. Odekunle emphasised that continuous sensitisation campaigns are critical. “Gender-based violence is not a private matter. It is a crime against the State,” she said, urging stronger collaboration between government agencies and civil society to prevent abuse before it occurs.
The TFGBV blueprint represents a milestone in Lagos State’s approach to technology-facilitated abuse. By integrating policy, survivor-centred justice, multi-sector collaboration, and regional learning, the framework positions Lagos as a leader in Sub-Saharan Africa’s fight against digital gender-based violence.
As technology continues to reshape social interactions, Lagos State’s initiative signals that violence in digital spaces requires equally sophisticated, inclusive, and accountable justice mechanisms, ensuring no survivor is left without protection or recourse.