FGM Prevalence in Nigeria
Nigeria has one of the highest absolute numbers of FGM cases globally, with significant variation by state and ethnic group. Expert reports must provide locality-specific and community-specific prevalence data, not national averages.
Common high-prevalence areas include states in the South-South and South-East, but prevalence varies significantly even within regions.
Legal Framework: VAPP Act 2015
The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 prohibits FGM nationally. However, enforcement is inconsistent and the updated FGM CPIN confirms that state protection is generally inadequate in practising communities.
Expert reports address both the legal prohibition and practical enforcement, including whether police and courts in the specific state effectively protect against FGM.
Daughter-at-Risk Claims
In daughter-at-risk cases, the expert assesses: prevalence in the specific ethnic group and state, whether the extended family has indicated intent, whether state protection is realistically available, and whether internal relocation would provide sufficient protection.
Reports should address the mother's own experience of FGM and the family's attitudes toward continuing the practice.
Expert Report Structure
FGM expert reports should follow Immigration Tribunal Practice Direction paragraph 10: expert qualifications, methodology, sources cited, specific conclusions on risk and state protection, and a declaration of independence.
Reports should cross-reference the updated FGM CPIN and identify where the appellant's circumstances differ from the general CPIN position.