The 2025–2026 Reykjavík Index for Leadership report, measuring perceptions of equality for men and women in leadership in Nigeria, shows that Nigeria’s Index for Leadership rose to 59% in 2025 from 57% in 2024.
The Advocacy Lead at Gatefield, Shirley Ewang, presenting the report in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, stated that the index was largely driven by changing perceptions among men, reflecting that nine in ten Nigerians now believe women can lead.
“Women’s scores remained at 61, while men’s scores increased from 53 to 56, narrowing the perception gap from eight points to five. The most notable gains came among older men (45–65), historically the most conservative demographic.”
According to the 2025–2026 Reykjavík Index for Leadership, the survey found that 89% of Nigerians are comfortable with women as CEOs of major companies, while 77% are comfortable with women as Heads of Government.
“Nigerians overwhelmingly believe women are capable leaders, but institutional barriers continue to hinder their rise. This highlights a stark disparity between comfort levels and actual representation.
“While most Nigerians are comfortable with a woman leading, women occupy only 12% of CEO roles and 4% of National Assembly seats,” Ewang said.
According to the report, despite rising acceptance of women in leadership, only 55% of Nigerians believe workplace equality exists, down from 62% in 2024, as men were more likely than women to report inequality, highlighting a disconnect between public comfort with female leaders and daily workplace realities.
Sectoral analysis revealed structural bias. Banking & Finance (73), Education (72), and Pharmaceutical/Medical Research (70) scored highest, while Childcare (33), Fashion & Beauty (46), and Engineering (46) lagged.
“We expect women to carry the burden of care, but hesitate to see them as leaders shaping care systems,” said Blessing Adesiyan, CEO of Caring Africa.
Other experts called for systemic reforms. Ekemini Akpakpan from Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) said, “Public support exists, but institutional barriers prevent women from claiming leadership. Our institutions must step up to ensure perception mirrors reality.”
From the Nigeria Governors Forum Secretariat, Rachel Pindar added: “Society is ready, but the system must follow. The real barrier is no longer public opinion, but the policies and structures that determine who gets into positions of power.”
Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, of Women in Management, Business, and Public Service, urged proper support for women-led sectors, saying it “can unlock jobs, strengthen the creative economy, and add billions to national economic output.”
Itunu Hunga, representing Women in Leadership Advancement Network, stressed: “Government and political leaders must enforce merit, set targets, and hold each other accountable because without women in leadership, our democracy cannot reach its full potential.”
The Reykjavík Index notes that whereas Nigerians are ready for women leaders, institutions must catch up to translate societal acceptance into economic power, authority, and leadership opportunities.