Lagos AG Lawal Pedro: Calls for Shared GBV Responsibility

• Lagos State Attorney General Lawal Pedro declared that combating gender-based violence is a collective responsibility, not solely the government's.
• He urged individuals, families, professionals, and institutions to actively prevent abuse and support survivors, citing specific roles for police, doctors, prosecutors, and teachers.
• The state government has strengthened legal and institutional measures, enhanced professional capacity, and hosted a national meeting for state GBV coordinators.
• Pedro emphasized that commitment to ending violence must persist beyond awareness campaigns, acknowledging the difficult but impactful work of frontline responders.
• The Attorney General underscored the necessity of sustained political will and institutional investment to ensure citizen safety and dignity as a fundamental government responsibility.

Ultimately, society must decide what it will tolerate, and what it will no longer excuse," he stated, emphasizing the critical role of collective action.

Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has issued a strong call for a unified front against gender-based violence (GBV), asserting that its eradication cannot be solely the government's burden. Speaking through Folashade Anibaba-Bossman, the Director of Advisory Services and Judicial Liaison for the Ministry, at the 2026 Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness Month Commendation and Award Night, Pedro underscored the critical need for individuals, families, professionals, religious and traditional leaders, and various institutions to actively participate in preventing abuse and safeguarding survivors.

The event served as a platform for the Lagos State Government to acknowledge the significant contributions of individuals and organizations in the ongoing fight against gender-based violence. Pedro emphasized that while the "purple campaign" and related awareness activities might conclude with the month, the fundamental responsibility to prevent violence must persist beyond any specific campaign period. He articulated this commitment by stating that even as the visual symbols of the campaign fade, the underlying dedication must not waver.

The Attorney General detailed that effective action against gender-based violence necessitates responsibility at every societal level, encompassing government bodies, law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, educators, parents, religious figures, and the general public. He provided concrete examples of how various professionals play decisive roles, such as a police officer assisting a frightened survivor, a doctor identifying potential abuse from an injury, a prosecutor pursuing challenging cases, or a teacher noticing sudden behavioral changes in a child.

Beyond professional roles, Pedro urged greater accountability within families and communities. He stressed the importance of parents educating boys that true strength does not equate to control, and for friends and bystanders to be prepared to confront and challenge abusive behaviors. Throughout the year, the state government has proactively engaged diverse segments of society, including communities, markets, schools, workplaces, professionals, survivors, law enforcement officers, and young people, all as part of a concerted effort to enhance the response to domestic and sexual violence.

In its commitment to combating gender-based violence, the Lagos State Government has also focused on strengthening stakeholder dialogues and enhancing professional capabilities across various sectors. A significant milestone in these efforts was the state's hosting of the national meeting of state GBV coordinators, facilitating broader collaboration and strategy development. Furthermore, Lagos has advanced several legal and institutional measures specifically designed for prevention.

Despite these advancements, Pedro posed a crucial question regarding the readiness of individuals and institutions to act when confronted with violence. "Ultimately, society must decide what it will tolerate, and what it will no longer excuse," he stated, emphasizing the critical role of collective action. He also acknowledged that sustained political will and consistent institutional investment are indispensable to ensure that the safety and dignity of citizens remain a core responsibility of the government.

The Attorney General cautioned against the misconception that the conclusion of the awareness month signifies the end of the broader campaign against gender-based violence. He reiterated that while the physical symbols like purple ribbons and banners might be removed and events conclude, the underlying awareness and commitment must remain steadfast. The awards presented at the event were not merely for recognition but served as an acknowledgment of the tireless, often unseen work performed by individuals supporting survivors and fortifying the justice system.

Pedro specifically commended a wide array of frontline responders, including lawyers, prosecutors, police officers, healthcare professionals, social workers, psychologists, and civil society organizations. He highlighted the difficult and emotionally taxing nature of their work, much of which occurs away from public cameras and ceremonies. He concluded by emphasizing that every survivor supported, child protected, case secured, and incident of violence prevented represents the profound impact of these dedicated interventions, urging stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, improve institutions, and cultivate communities that unequivocally reject violence.

This statement from the Lagos AG signals an increased expectation for legal professionals and corporate compliance officers to actively engage in gender-based violence prevention and survivor support, potentially through internal policies, community initiatives, or pro bono work. It also highlights the state's ongoing commitment to strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, suggesting potential future legislative or enforcement developments in Lagos.

Source: Reporting based on statements from the Lagos State Attorney General.