Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is the Minister of Women Affairs, the Federal Republic of Nigeria. She is driven by a passion to tackle critical and legacy issues impacting women, children, and vulnerable populations. An international expert, thought leader in Security, Conflict Resolution, Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Development and Migration Governance, she holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Abuja, a Master’s of Business Administration and a Master’s of Art in Management, both from Webster University, St Louis, Missouri. In this interview, she shares her drive promoting inclusive development, stability, and social equity.
Share with us your career trajectory. What prepared you for this role?
My career journey has been shaped by a deliberate and passionate commitment to public service, social development, and transformational leadership. I began my professional life as an entrepreneur and later as a strategic advisor, but it was my engagement with humanitarian, social development, and security institutions that solidified my purpose. Over the last six years, I have had the honour of serving in critical national roles – each one preparing me for the next.
At National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), I led sweeping reforms that not only repositioned the agency but elevated Nigeria’s standing in the global anti-human trafficking space. At the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), I drove policy innovation and legislative change, impacting over two million vulnerable people. My tenure as the first female Minister of Police Affairs enabled me to champion inclusivity and reform within one of the most entrenched and male-dominated institutions in the country.
What prepared me most for my current role as Minister of Women Affairs was not just the diversity of these roles, but the lessons learned across them: the necessity of resilience, strategic vision, data-driven policy, and above all, a people-centered leadership style. My academic background in sociology, business, and strategic management – complemented by ongoing doctoral research in national security, which I am completing later this year – has further anchored my ability to drive cross-sectoral reforms. I strongly believe leadership is not merely about holding positions; it is about delivering impact. That has been my lifelong commitment.
You’ve held multiple high-profile roles in security, migration, and now women affairs. What key principles have guided your leadership across these diverse sectors?
Three enduring principles have consistently shaped my leadership: purpose-driven governance, evidence-based decision-making, and collaborative stakeholder engagement. Purpose-driven governance ensures that every initiative I champion addresses a real need, especially for marginalised populations. Whether it’s protecting victims of trafficking or mainstreaming gender in national planning, I lead with a deep conviction to create meaningful change. Second, I believe that impactful leadership must be evidence-based. In all my roles, I have insisted on data as the foundation of planning and reform – whether while drafting the new NCFRMI Act, developing deep reform to reposition the Nigeria Police Force, or designing scalable empowerment programmes for women. Lastly, collaboration is non-negotiable. The problems we face as a nation – whether insecurity, displacement, or gender inequality – are systemic. They require coalition-building, partnerships across sectors, and shared ownership. I have always embraced a “whole-of-society” approach, rallying traditional leaders, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to co-create solutions.
You were the first female Minister of Police Affairs, breaking barriers in a male-dominated field. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
The appointment was historic but also symbolic of how much work we still have to do in gender mainstreaming within security architecture. One of the biggest challenges I faced was institutional inertia – decades of entrenched norms, bureaucratic rigidity, and resistance to reform, particularly from those unaccustomed to women in such leadership roles. To overcome these, I had to assert my competence beyond my authority. I demonstrated early on that reforms would be strategic, inclusive, and results-oriented. I developed a visionary reform roadmap and prioritised community policing, which quickly garnered stakeholder buy-in.
Moreover, I anchored my leadership on listening and inclusion. I engaged police personnel at all levels – especially the rank-and-file – understanding their aspirations and anxieties. This people-focused approach allowed me to build trust across the Force. Within four months, we saw unprecedented improvements, including a 1,000 percent increase in the Ministry’s capital allocation and critical momentum for reform. The recognition by the German Ambassador with a peace symbol affirmed that even in the most unlikely places, transformative leadership is possible.
As the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, what key policies are you championing to improve the lives of Nigerian women and girls?
At the Ministry of Women Affairs, our vision is clear and resolute: to build a Nigeria where every woman, girl, and child can live with dignity, enjoy equal opportunities, and reach their full potential. In pursuit of this vision, I am spearheading several transformative policy initiatives designed to drive systemic change and deliver measurable impact.
Foremost among these is the 10 Million Women Economic Empowerment Initiative—the most ambitious women-focused economic programme in Nigeria’s history. This nationwide intervention seeks to enhance women’s access to finance, vocational skills, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship development. Currently, over 4.7 million women are being reached through one of our flagship programmes, with tailored interventions designed to boost financial inclusion, increase household income, and unlock productivity at the grassroots level.
In addition, we have commenced a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003), recognising that its provisions must reflect current realities and evolving threats to child protection in Nigeria. I recently inaugurated a multi-stakeholder review committee, with a mandate to ensure that the revised legislation is robust, rights-based, and enforceable across all states.
We are also supporting the review of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act), to close legislative gaps, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and enhance enforcement frameworks that protect women and girls from all forms of violence and harmful practices. Furthermore, we are prioritising the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policy manuals, and technical guidelines to institutionalise gender-responsive service delivery across sectors.
Gender inequality remains a major issue in Nigeria and the world. In what ways are you using your platform to challenge barriers that hold back women?
As a woman, a mother, and a Minister, I understand that gender inequality is a lived reality for millions of Nigerian women. Using my platform, I am actively dismantling the systemic and socio-cultural barriers that perpetuate gender gaps. One major lever is policy influence. I advocate consistently for gender quotas in political appointments and leadership positions, and I’m proud to report that just this week, a state governor committed to appointing women as Vice Chairpersons in all LGAs. This is no longer the exception – it must become the norm. I also use my platform internationally, ensuring Nigeria’s voice is heard in global fora on gender rights. At the national level, I am working to integrate gender budgeting into national and sub-national fiscal frameworks to ensure resources are allocated equitably. More importantly, I invest in narrative change – telling our stories, celebrating the resilience of Nigerian women, and challenging harmful stereotypes through media, literature, and education. Policy can open doors, but stories keep them open.
Have you faced any obstacles as a woman in public administration? If so, how have you overcome these obstacles?
Yes, like many women in leadership, I have encountered both overt and subtle forms of bias. From being underestimated to being excluded from informal decision-making networks, these barriers have been persistent. But I have always believed that the best response is performance and integrity. I focus on delivering results that are difficult to ignore. I also mentor younger women to ensure they do not face the same battles alone. My leadership is not just about occupying space; it’s about widening the space for others to follow. In every role I’ve held, I’ve built alliances, demonstrated strategic thinking, and created impact that speaks louder than any prejudice. This is how we break the cycle – not just by enduring obstacles, but by transforming them into stepping stones.
Balancing high-level public service with family and personal life can be demanding. How do you manage this, and what advice do you have for women in leadership?
Balancing public service and family is not easy – but it is possible with clarity of purpose, delegation, and intentionality. I draw strength from my faith, my family, and my unshakable belief in the value of service. My children are not just part of my journey – they are my motivation. Time management, prioritisation, and support systems are crucial. But so is self-compassion- accepting that one cannot do everything at once, and that it is okay to ask for help. Leadership is not about perfection; it is about authenticity and resilience. To women in leadership, I say this: you belong at the table. Don’t shrink to fit outdated expectations. Embrace your unique strengths. Lead with empathy, with courage, and with vision. And always remember that your presence in leadership opens doors for others.
What legacy do you hope to leave in your current role as Minister of Women Affairs?
I want to be remembered as the Minister who redefined what was possible for Nigerian women. A Minister who transformed policy into empowerment, who shifted rhetoric into results, and who stood boldly for the rights of every girl in the remotest village of Nigeria. My legacy will be anchored on three pillars: institutional reform, large-scale impact, and sustainable change. I aim to leave behind a strengthened Ministry, empowered women across all geopolitical zones, and a generation of girls who believe that no dream is too big.
You’re also an author and lecturer. How are you using your platforms to share knowledge and shape narratives?
As an author and academic, I view knowledge as a powerful tool for transformation. I use my writings and lectures to challenge dominant narratives, to inspire critical thinking, and to document lessons from governance and policy reform. At the University of Abuja and the University of Rome, I engage postgraduate students on global migration governance and national security. These platforms enable me to mentor the next generation of leaders – not just through theory, but through the lived experience of policy implementation. Through publishing and public speaking, I amplify unheard voices, elevate women’s stories, and advocate for a Nigeria that is inclusive, secure, and equitable. Thought leadership is not an accessory to governance, it is a catalyst for societal change.
