The recently revised Nigerian National Gender Policy (NGP) represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, the 2006 version, by encompassing a broader range of regional and international standards and agreements that Nigeria has committed to upholding. The NGP underscores the critical need for robust government commitment at the highest levels, emphasising the allocation of sufficient human and financial resources to drive initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality.
The policy emphasises the importance of comprehensive policymaking, legislative frameworks, programme implementation, and capacity building to empower women effectively. In essence, the updated policy seeks to address the multifaceted challenges inherent in promoting gender equality, urging both traditional and nontraditional sectors to embrace transformative approaches toward achieving gender parity and inclusivity.
The NGP focuses on eight primary policy priority areas, one of which is legislation and policy frameworks.
The policy recognises that “Nigeria is replete with patriarchal values that undervalue women’s contributions to national development and their roles in the development process. Human rights abuses, including gender-based violence among others, are the order of the day.” To mitigate this noted problem, the NGP aims to “achieve a national re-orientation in the commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and social inclusion principles and concerns.”
Some of the set targets include fully implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) by 2025, ensuring 80 percent adoption of the NGP by federal ministries and agencies, and achieving full adoption of the NGP by state governments and their institutions by 2025. However, given the deadline’s proximity, meeting these goals by 2025 appears unlikely.
CEDAW, often referred to as the International Bill of Rights for Women, mandates countries to eradicate discrimination against women and girls and ensure their equal rights across all sectors. Adopted in 1979 and going into effect on September 3, 1981, CEDAW was ratified by the Nigerian government in 1985, yet its full integration into national law remains pending.
Despite the Nigerian government’s plan to fully domesticate CEDAW by 2025, none of its articles have been significantly realised to date, but only for some minimal efforts in promoting skill acquisition and tech programmes aimed at empowering women.
Meanwhile, efforts have been made to combat violence against women in the workplace. However, such practices still endure across ethnic and religious lines in Nigeria. For example, in spite of the enactment of the Child Rights Act of 2003 aimed at curbing child marriage, the practice remains prevalent in Northern Nigeria, particularly among the Hausa-Fulani community.
A 2023 investigation by Dargic Communications revealed the persistent marginalisation and oppression of women in federal-level positions and promotions, casting doubt on the likelihood of achieving the NGP adoption target of 80 per cent among federal MDAs. Interviews conducted across various federal ministries, including those managing foreign affairs, the environment, and agriculture, unveiled a hiring process often reliant on referrals from influential individuals in society.
Despite occasional favoritism in these referrals, women typically find themselves relegated to lower-ranking roles like desk officers and secretaries, with few prospects for advancement. This gender disparity persists despite women making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population.
Monilola Udoh, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, highlighted the necessity of ensuring gender equality for Nigeria’s advancement. She emphasised the importance of states enacting laws to safeguard women’s rights, indicating that many states have not yet adopted the NGP. This underscores the likelihood that the target of full adoption and domestication of the NGP by all states by 2025 will not be achieved.
The NGP, now in its fifth year, is not even halfway through implementation. Expecting these targets to be met by next year is unrealistic. Therefore, it is essential for the government to acknowledge its commitments under the ratification of CEDAW and take proactive steps to address the gaps hindering the full implementation of laws and policies that empower women.
Immediate action is needed to translate policy prescriptions into concrete frameworks that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment across all sectors.
Anoba is a Research Assistant at Ominira Initiative.
