NIGERIA: Akpabio Demands Legislative Action To Back Women’s Rights, Champions 35% Affirmative Action

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Nigerian Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerian women to move beyond rhetoric and intensify advocacy for gender equity, stressing that the time has come to anchor women’s rights in law rather than mere promises.

Speaking at a special session held at the National Assembly to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day, Akpabio reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to advancing legislative reforms that will guarantee at least 35% affirmative action for women in governance, politics, and economic leadership.

The event, themed “Economic and Political Inclusion: Walk the Talk,” served as a platform for top government officials, gender advocates, and key stakeholders to assess the progress of gender inclusion efforts in Nigeria and outline steps towards meaningful reforms.

Senator Akpabio emphasized that annual celebrations and speeches must give way to legal structures that break systemic barriers limiting women’s opportunities.

He assured that the 10th National Assembly would prioritize laws that institutionalize gender equity in leadership and public office appointments.

“We cannot continue to mark International Women’s Day with speeches alone. The real work lies in codifying these commitments into enforceable laws that guarantee equitable opportunities for women in governance, business, and society. The Senate will ensure we walk the talk,” Akpabio declared.

Akpabio’s remarks were followed by a strong push for the immediate passage of legislation that would enshrine 35% affirmative action across all sectors, ensuring that women hold leadership positions across government agencies, political parties, and private institutions.

The session was attended by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Minister of Women Affairs Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and representatives from key women advocacy groups, including the National Council for Women Societies.

In her remarks, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unprecedented 1000% increase in the budget for the Ministry of Women Affairs, describing it as a crucial step in backing gender-focused programs with resources.

However, she noted that financial allocations alone would not drive meaningful change without legal frameworks and proper enforcement.

“Money is important, but institutional and legal reforms are what will truly change the lives of women in Nigeria. We need laws that create pathways for women’s leadership, economic inclusion, and protection from discrimination,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

Ms. Tabitha I. Sallah, Director of Media & Public Affairs and chairperson of the organizing committee, further challenged lawmakers to fast-track the passage of all pending gender equality bills, noting that Nigeria can no longer afford to treat women’s rights as optional or secondary.

“The conversation has been ongoing for decades. The question is whether we are ready to make history by converting our pledges into enforceable laws that future generations can rely on,” she said.