Between October 20th and 31th, the seventh Train the Trainer course for Gender Desk Officers took place in Abuja, Nigeria. Officers from all six political zones were invited to participate in this extended seminar, which for the first time ran two additional days.

This extension proved highly valuable. Based on prior experience and participant feedback, the curriculum was enriched with two critical sessions: a presentation by a female medical doctor on how to approach and support survivors of sexual violence, and a lecture by a state prosecutor offering practical guidance for investigations and interviews from the perspective of the prosecution.

The positive feedback from participants confirmed the importance of these additions. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to strengthening the institutional response to gender-based violence and improving inter-agency cooperation.

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Uwe Heller, the new Head of the Nigeria Project, welcomed participants alongside Commissioner of Police Eloho Okpoziakpo, Head of Training and Development at the Nigerian Police Headquarters, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Rita Oki-Emesim, Head of the Gender Unit in the Criminal Investigation Department of Abuja.

In total, 15 external participants took part in the workshop. Their engagement and openness made this training an important step forward in building a more responsive and sensitive approach to gender-based issues within the Nigerian Police Force.

The workshop and its achievements were also featured on national television by NTA News with a report and video by Francis Fom (NTA News). This national coverage highlights the growing importance of strengthening gender-sensitive structures and training across Nigeria.