Nigeria has been ranked the third-highest country in the world for the number of women and girls who have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), highlighting the continued prevalence of a practice that health experts and human rights advocates have spent decades trying to eradicate.
According to data released by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an estimated 19.9 million Nigerian women and girls have experienced FGM, placing the country behind only two nations globally in terms of the absolute number of survivors. Nigeria accounts for a significant share of the more than 230 million women and girls worldwide who have undergone the procedure.
FGM refers to the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The practice is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights and has been linked to severe health complications, including excessive bleeding, infections, childbirth complications, infertility, psychological trauma, and, in some cases, death.
While Nigeria has recorded some progress in reducing the prevalence of FGM among women aged 15 to 49, concerns remain over its continued practice among younger girls. UNICEF data shows that the prevalence rate among women in this age group declined from 25 percent in 2013 to 20 percent in 2018. However, the rate among girls aged 0 to 14 increased from 16.9 percent to 19.2 percent during the same period, indicating that the practice continues despite widespread awareness campaigns and legal prohibitions.
Research indicates that FGM remains particularly prevalent in parts of southern Nigeria, especially in the South-East and South-West regions. Several states continue to record high rates of the practice, driven by cultural traditions, social pressure, misconceptions about female sexuality, and beliefs surrounding marriageability and purity.
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Nigeria formally outlawed female genital mutilation through the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in 2015. However, enforcement challenges, cultural resistance, and limited awareness in some communities have slowed efforts to eliminate the practice nationwide. Experts argue that legal measures alone are insufficient and must be complemented by community engagement, education, and stronger support for survivors.
UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) have repeatedly called for intensified action, warning that millions of girls globally remain at risk of undergoing FGM if current progress is not accelerated. The agencies continue to work with governments, traditional leaders, healthcare workers, and community organizations to challenge harmful social norms and protect vulnerable girls.
What You Need to Know
- Nigeria has approximately 19.9 million FGM survivors, the third-highest figure globally.
- More than 230 million women and girls worldwide have undergone FGM.
- FGM prevalence among Nigerian women has declined, but cases among younger girls remain a major concern.
- The practice remains illegal under Nigerian law but continues in several communities.
Implications
Nigeria’s ranking underscores the scale of the challenge facing policymakers, health authorities, and advocacy groups. Beyond its immediate health risks, FGM has long-term social and economic consequences, affecting women’s well-being, reproductive health, and overall quality of life. The persistence of the practice among younger generations suggests that deeper cultural and behavioral changes are required to achieve national and global targets for ending FGM.
Conclusion
Despite years of advocacy, legislation, and awareness campaigns, female genital mutilation remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. The country’s position as the world’s third-largest contributor to the global FGM burden highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement of existing laws, sustained community education, and collective action to protect future generations of girls from the harmful practice.
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