- The UN stated that Nigeria is lagging behind in terms of women representation, with only about 4% of women elected to the National Assembly
- The UN Women Country Representative called on legislators to support amending security laws to create a more gender-sensitive environment for security sector institutions
The United Nations has stated that Nigeria is lagging behind in terms of women’s representation in the continental ranking. This was highlighted by the UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong, during a seminar in Abuja on Monday. The seminar was organized by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in collaboration with UN Women, the Governments of Germany, and Norway.
Ms. Eyong emphasized the legislature’s critical role in advancing women, peace, and security in Nigeria. She argued that ensuring women’s meaningful representation is essential for building an inclusive, responsive, and accountable security sector that mirrors the diversity of the community it serves and better addresses its needs.
She said, “With about 4% of women elected to the National Assembly, and only seven women serving in the forty-five-member cabinet, Nigeria is not doing well in the continental ranking. I call on the legislators of the 10th National Assembly to utilize this guide to support full implementation of Nigeria’s 3rd National action plan, including approval of the annual budget for coordination, monitoring, and reporting of the policy document at all levels.”
Ms. Eyong also noted the importance of engaging legislators in developing, implementing, monitoring, and reporting Nigeria’s 3rd national action plan on women, peace, and security. She called on all legislators and stakeholders to support amending security laws to create a more gender-sensitive environment for maximum efficiency and effectiveness in security sector institutions and society.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar O. Sulaiman, expressed concern over women’s low involvement in formal decision-making and resource allocation processes despite their significant roles in society and the informal economy.
The seminar was attended by senators, members of the House of Representatives, and various other stakeholders.
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