Abuja: The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its intention to lead efforts in amplifying Africa’s voice on gender equality and women’s rights at the forthcoming 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). This was disclosed by Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, during a media conference held in Abuja ahead of Nigeria’s departure for the global meeting.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that her ministry would coordinate and lead a broad and inclusive national delegation to the session, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Mission to the United Nations. The focus of Nigeria’s participation will be on advancing national priorities related to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and poverty reduction, while also strengthening global partnerships that support women’s development and protection.
The minister emphasized that the engagement would position Nigeria to represent the African States Group and strengthen Africa’s collective voice in shaping global norms on women’s rights. She highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role as a reflection of the country’s commitment to promoting gender equality through policy reforms and institutional frameworks across the nation.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim cited the implementation of the National Gender Policy, the National Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy, and key legislations such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act and Child Rights Act as significant protections. She noted that all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory had enacted the VAPP Act or equivalent legislation, achieving nationwide coverage after sustained advocacy by government institutions.
The minister also discussed several government initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s economic empowerment and expanding social protection opportunities through targeted development programs and interventions. These include the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions targeting women across the 774 Local Government Areas and programs expanding access to finance, digital inclusion, and clean energy.
She reported that Nigeria had significantly expanded its social protection programs, with national social safety net interventions reaching over 9.4 million households, more than 70 percent of whom are women. However, she acknowledged existing challenges, particularly in addressing gender-based violence and enhancing women’s representation in elective positions within the political and governance systems.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the need for more Sexual Assault Referral Centres to adequately support victims of gender-based violence, noting that Nigeria currently operates about 50 such centres nationwide. She stressed that expanding survivor-centred services and strengthening prevention and response systems are urgent priorities for the administration.
The minister also called for building stronger pipelines of women leaders through mentorship, training, and institutional support to enhance women’s participation in governance. She mentioned the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ underscoring the urgency of concrete actions to advance gender equality.
In conclusion, Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed hope that Nigeria’s engagement at CSW70 would showcase ongoing reforms and partnerships aimed at improving the lives of women and girls across Africa. Additionally, Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, emphasized the need to renew collective resolve to advance rights and take bold action, while Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi from the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat highlighted initiatives to end gender-based violence and promote women’s participation.