Nigeria ranks 130 out of 166 in global gender gap index — UN

The United Nations (UN) has reported that Nigeria ranks 130th out of 166 countries in its latest Global Gender Gap Index.

As the world approaches the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline, Nigeria faces significant challenges, particularly in addressing gender inequality and empowering women and girls.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, revealed this during a stakeholders’ dialogue in Abuja, themed ‘Closing the Gender Gap: Financing Solutions for SDG 5.’

Fall noted that Nigeria is off-track on nearly 60% of SDG indicators, with gender disparities serving as a major barrier to progress.

He said, “Women and girls face disproportionate poverty, limited education and healthcare access, and significant economic and decision-making barriers.”

He stressed the critical role of gender equality in advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“Women and girls continue to experience disproportionate levels of poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and significant barriers to economic participation and decision-making,” Fall stated.

He further pointed out that over 70% of women in rural areas lack access to basic education and healthcare. Nigeria’s position of 130th out of 166 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index reflects severe disparities in economic participation, education, health, and political empowerment.

Gender-based violence remains widespread, affecting nearly one in three women, and women represent less than 5% of Nigeria’s national parliament, highlighting significant underrepresentation in decision-making processes.

UN Women’s Country Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, urged the government, private sector, and civil society to work together to address these disparities.

“Gender equality is not just a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world,” she said.

Eyong acknowledged the progress made towards achieving SDG 5 but stressed the need for continued efforts, particularly in financing.

She said that Gender Responsive Budgeting is a key policy approach to aligning public resources with gender equality objectives.

UN Women Nigeria is partnering with the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to institutionalise Gender Responsive Budgeting and build the capacity of budget desk officers.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, revealed that the total investment required for the National Development Plan (2021-2025) is estimated at N348.1 trillion.

The public sector is expected to contribute N49.7 trillion, while the organised private sector should finance the remaining N298.3 trillion. She highlighted the crucial role of the private sector in financing sustainable development.

“Ongoing efforts include integrating the SDGs into the sectoral policies and plans of Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as working with the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to mainstream the SDGs into their development policies and plans,” she added.

“This approach is part of our Mainstreaming, Acceleration, and Policy Support (MAPS) for the SDGs.”