The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has officially presented the approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) booklet to operators of Safe Women Shelters across the State. This initiative aims to strengthen the standard of care, protection, and overall support provided to women and girls seeking refuge from vulnerability and abuse. The SOP provides comprehensive guidelines covering critical operational areas, including shelter management, safeguarding protocols, confidentiality, referral pathways, case management, accountability, monitoring, and general welfare support.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Cecilia Dada, highlighted that the presentation marks a pivotal step in translating the Ministry’s policy commitments into concrete action. On March 10, 2026, the Ministry held an initial engagement with Chief Executive Officers of organizations managing Safe Women Shelters to build a common framework for effective shelter management. This engagement led to the development of the SOP, which will undergo periodic reviews in close consultation with key stakeholders to ensure it remains practical and responsive to evolving challenges.
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation will conduct regular visits to shelters across Lagos State to evaluate compliance, identify operational challenges, and extend necessary administrative guidance. These visits will serve not only as a compliance exercise but also as an essential opportunity to collaborate and continually strengthen the shelter system. The Commissioner emphasized that the SOP will be a living document, subject to periodic reviews and updates to reflect changing needs and best practices.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Rianat Ajibike Onigbanjo, commended the Commissioner for her leadership and unwavering dedication to vulnerable women and girls. She also recognized the contributions of Ministry Directors, specifically Mrs. Itunu Babarinde, Director of Non-Governmental Organisations, alongside the shelter operators and technical stakeholders who contributed to drafting and finalizing the guidelines.
Shelter operators were urged to thoroughly study the document and integrate its protocols into their daily operations. Responding on behalf of shelter operators, Mrs. Olayemi O. Akinyele of Grace Springs Shelter expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for prioritizing shelter management standards and including private operators throughout the consultative process. The operators appreciated the government's efforts to ensure that women and girls receive the support and protection they need.
The event concluded with the formal presentation of the SOP booklets by Bolaji Cecilia Dada to representatives of various shelters, reinforcing a shared commitment among stakeholders to offer dignity, protection, and structured support to women and girls across Lagos State. The presentation of the SOP booklets marks a significant milestone in the government's efforts to strengthen the shelter system and provide a safe haven for women and girls seeking refuge.
The Lagos State Government's efforts to strengthen the shelter system have been commended by stakeholders, who recognize the importance of providing a safe and supportive environment for women and girls. The government's commitment to prioritizing the needs of vulnerable populations is reflected in the development of the SOP, which will help ensure that women and girls receive the care and support they need to recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.
Key points
- The Lagos State Government has presented a Standard Operating Procedures booklet to operators of Safe Women Shelters to strengthen care and protection for women and girls seeking refuge.
- The SOP provides comprehensive guidelines covering critical operational areas, including shelter management, safeguarding protocols, and general welfare support.
- The Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation will conduct regular visits to shelters to evaluate compliance and extend administrative guidance.
