The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has lauded the successful re-election of Mrs Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) for a second four-year term following an election held at the United Nations Headquarters.
In a statement announcing the development, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development described the outcome as “a proud moment for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reaffirming our country’s growing influence, credibility, and leadership in advancing gender equality and the rights of women and girls globally.”
The ministry said the re-election builds on the milestone recorded during the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York in March 2025, where Edo, FCT, Kwara, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun and Zamfara States signed commitments as CEDAW Cities.
According to the statement, “This marks a shift from global commitments to practical results at home, reinforcing Nigeria’s credibility and leadership in advancing gender equality.”
Describing the significance of the victory, the ministry stated that Mrs Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia’s re-election “represents far more than an individual or electoral success; it is a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in shaping the global gender equality agenda”.
It said the achievement followed “months of rigorous consultations, strategic engagements, diplomatic outreach, bilateral and multilateral dialogues, and sustained lobbying undertaken at both national and international levels”, coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other stakeholders.
The ministry reaffirmed that international recognition must translate into measurable domestic impact, stressing that advancing the rights of women and girls is “a shared national responsibility involving all tiers of government, the legislature, judiciary, civil society, traditional and religious leaders, the private sector, development partners, and communities.”
Congratulating Mrs Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, the ministry expressed confidence that “she will continue to serve with distinction, integrity, independence, and professionalism while strengthening Nigeria’s voice and leadership within the global gender equality architecture.”
The statement by the Head of Press, Ahmed Danbazau, added that the ministry would continue strengthening coordination to deepen the implementation of CEDAW through legal reforms, policy coherence, expanded women’s economic empowerment, stronger protection systems and improved institutional accountability.
“This victory belongs to every Nigerian woman and girl. It is a powerful reminder that when leadership, diplomacy, technical excellence, and national unity converge, Nigeria can shape global outcomes with confidence and credibility.”
