Female genital mutilation practice in Nigeria: Patterns, prevalence and remedies

Chinyere C. P. Nnorom, University of Lagos

The paper analyzed the data collected during the NDHS 1999 survey on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with a view of ascertaining the type and extent of prevalence. The study revealed that FGM is widespread in all the regions with clitoridectomy accounting for about 80 percent of the cases. Infibulation and excision were also found to be in practice though on a smaller scale. When compared with NDHS 2003, there were considerable similarities in the two surveys. Other studies conducted by some individuals and organisations by state, type and prevalence rates were also reviewed and it was discovered that types II and IV were the more common. Prevalence rate ranged from 1 percent to a nearly 100 percent in some states. Durkheim’s functionalist theory was used to support the continued existence despite the outlined implications. The paper suggests ways the practice could be curtailed to ensure better health for women.