Law and policy tracker

The laws that protect the people we serve

We track the Nigerian laws and bills that matter most for students, youths, women and girls. Open any law to see its key provisions and a map of where it has been adopted. Last checked 28 September 2026.

National Mental Health Act 2021

In forceSigned 5 January 2023 · AHERI GEIST

Replaced the Lunacy Act of 1958, protects the rights of people living with mental health conditions and requires public health facilities to offer mental health care.

Open the law page

What it means for youNo one may be abused, chained or discriminated against because of a mental health condition.

Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015

State domesticationAHERI RECHT

Nigeria's main law against rape, domestic violence, harmful practices and other gender based violence. Kano is the only state yet to pass it, as reported in May 2026.

36 of 37 (35 states and the FCT)

Open the law page and map

What it means for youViolence at home, in school or online is a crime. Survivors have a right to protection orders, medical care and support.

Child Rights Act 2003

State domesticationAHERI RECHT

Protects every child under 18, including the right to free basic education and protection from child marriage and abuse. Gombe is the only state yet to adopt it.

35 of 36 states

Open the law page and map

What it means for youA child has the right to go to school, to be safe and to be heard.

Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act 2024

In forceAHERI WEG

Created NELFUND to pay tuition and upkeep for students in public tertiary institutions. About 1.64 million students had benefited by July 2026.

Open the law page

What it means for youIf you are in a public tertiary institution, you may qualify. AHERI WEG helps you apply.

Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023

In forceAll programme areas

Sets rules for how organisations collect, store and share personal information, with stronger care for children's data.

Open the law page

What it means for youWhat you tell AHERI or the CARE HUB is private. You can ask what we hold about you.

Special Seats Bill for women

PendingAHERI RECHT

A constitutional change to create extra seats for women in parliament. On 24 September 2026 the Speaker said it was being refined at the Ministry of Justice.

Open the law page

What it means for youMore women in law making means more attention to issues that shape the lives of women and girls.

Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill

PendingAHERI RECHT

A proposed federal law on equal rights in education, work and inheritance. It has been rejected or stalled several times since 2016.

Open the law page

What it means for youUntil it passes, protection depends on state laws.

Lagos State Gender Based Violence Prevention Policy

New policyUnveiled 28 September 2026 · AHERI RECHT

Moves Lagos from responding to violence towards preventing it, through education, early intervention, survivor services and trained first responders.

Open the law page and map

What it means for youSchools and communities in Lagos can expect more prevention work.

Know a law we should track?

Tell us