The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a dangerous practice and a violation of the rights of girls and women.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, made this known during a two-day media dialogue on advocacy against FGM held on Wednesday in Benin.
The event, organised by UNICEF in partnership with the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, sought to strengthen media involvement in eliminating the practice.
Lafoucriere revealed that nearly 20 million Nigerian women and girls have undergone FGM, placing the country as the third highest globally.
“This is a staggering figure we cannot ignore,” she said, adding that although the practice has been outlawed, it continues in many communities, largely driven by cultural myths and traditions.
She stressed that no tradition or cultural norm should endanger the health, rights, or future of young girls. According to her, joint efforts with stakeholders are gradually changing the narrative.
“The positive news is that change is possible and already happening through collaborations and campaigns such as the Movement for Good, led by the Federal Government in partnership with UNICEF,” she explained.
She highlighted that millions of Nigerians — men, women, youths, and entire communities — are speaking up and pledging to protect girls. Survivors, she added, are playing a vital role in championing the cause.
Lafoucriere also called on journalists to use their platforms to amplify survivors’ voices, challenge harmful norms, and encourage families to abandon the practice.
“You have the power to shape narratives and inspire change. Every girl in Nigeria deserves to grow up free from the fear and harm of FGM — free to live, survive, and thrive,” she said.
Also speaking, UNICEF Communication Officer, Lagos Field Office, Blessing Ejiofor, explained that the dialogue was designed to strengthen advocacy across all levels until FGM is completely eradicated.
She noted that although advocacy campaigns have reduced the prevalence of FGM, the ultimate goal remains total elimination. Ejiofor further reminded participants that performing or aiding FGM is now a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Information, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting children.
He stressed the importance of media advocacy, pointing out that similar sensitisation programs have been carried out with security agencies and the judiciary.
“We still have a long way to go. Many of us have been part of this campaign, but more effort is needed if we are to completely wipe out FGM,” Babalola said, urging the media to sustain collaboration towards ending the harmful practice nationwide.