NILDS Pushes for Stronger Gender Inclusion in Nigeria’s Legislature

By Sofiat Adenekan

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, is pushing for greater gender inclusion in Nigeria’s legislative process.

At a validation workshop in Abuja, NILDS Director-General, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, stressed the slow progress in women’s empowerment despite various initiatives.

He highlighted the 2023 general elections, where female representation in governance remained below 5%, warning that this could hinder women’s participation in policymaking and socio-economic development.

Prof. Suleiman emphasized the need to review and update the 2014 National Assembly Gender Strategy Policy to align with current realities and ensure it drives gender-friendly legislation.

NILDS has been actively promoting gender inclusivity, working with partners such as UN Women and FAWE, and establishing a gender and inclusivity unit within the institute.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory, described the National Assembly Gender Strategy as a crucial framework for increasing women’s political participation and enacting gender-responsive laws.

She commended NILDS for its efforts in equipping lawmakers with essential knowledge but stressed that the revised strategy must lead to tangible action.

Contributing the Clerk to the National Assembly Service, Kamoru Ogunlana, reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to gender equality in policymaking, to strengthen women’s participation in governance.

He commended stakeholders for their efforts and urged collaboration to ensure policies that promote inclusivity and empowerment.

The validation workshop is expected to lay the groundwork for legislative reforms that will strengthen gender equality in Nigeria’s governance structure.