The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Mr. Abbas Tajudeen, says the 10th National Assembly will enact strong legislative measures to protect and empower women in politics.
Abbas was speaking at the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025, themed: “Investing in Nigerian Women, Securing Our Future”, in Abuja.
Speaker Abbas stressed the importance of gender-inclusive governance and policies that ensure equal representation for women in political and economic spheres.
He highlighted that despite constitutional guarantees of gender equality, Nigerian women continue to face discrimination, underrepresentation, and socio-economic challenges that hinder their full participation in leadership roles.
“We will enact robust legislation to safeguard women in politics from violence and intimidation, aligning our political framework with the Constitution’s principles of fairness and freedom,” he stated.
Legislative Agenda
The Speaker noted that the House of Representatives has introduced a Legislative Agenda prioritising women’s political participation and economic empowerment.
As part of these efforts, he said two dedicated committees on women’s issues have been established.
He said all female lawmakers in the House are included in the Constitution Amendment Committee to ensure gender-sensitive policymaking.
The Speaker said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been urged to incorporate women into its National Executive Committee (NEC), leading to the appointment of four women to NEC positions.
Special Seats
Abbas further emphasised the need for special seats for women in legislative houses and mandatory gender quotas within political parties to increase women’s representation in governance.
“I call on all State Houses of Assembly to support these reforms during the Constitution Amendment process to guarantee greater political participation for women,” he said.
Beyond politics, the Speaker stressed that investing in women’s economic empowerment was crucial for Nigeria’s development.
He cited successful global models, such as gender quotas in Rwanda and microfinance schemes in Bangladesh, as examples Nigeria can adapt to uplift women.
Gender Policy
Speaker Abbas reiterated the House’s dedication to enforcing the National Gender Policy, supporting electoral reforms that promote female candidates, and amending the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) to enhance women’s rights.
He commended Mr. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, and Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, for their contributions to advancing gender equality.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu in her remarks at the conference, said Nigerian women are breaking barriers and making impacts in various sectors of the society.
The First Lady who was represented by wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Abbas, however, emphasised the need for women inclusion and empowerment, saying that there was a need to address structural challenges that keep women in poverty
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, described the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025 as more than just an event.
She called it a movement aimed at breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of women.
She said the event served as a platform to celebrate the strength, resilience, and potential of Nigerian women while fostering an environment where they can thrive, lead, and inspire.
A major highlight of the conference was the launch of the National Compendium of Women in Leadership Positions, which documents the achievements of women who have broken through barriers and contributed to various sectors.
“This compendium stands as a testament to the fact that when women rise, we all rise, and ultimately, the nation flourishes,” Ogbara said.
She noted that while the compendium was in its maiden edition, it served as a vital resource to inspire young girls and women who aspire to leadership positions.
The lawmaker also announced that outstanding Nigerians who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to empowering women and championing gender equality would be honoured at the conference.
She described their efforts as a beacon of hope and proof that change was possible when everyone worked together.
Support
Mrs. Ogbara revealed that beyond discussions, the committee was taking practical steps to support women in need, particularly widows and low-income earners, through cash empowerment initiatives.
The lawmaker expressed gratitude to the leadership of the House of Representatives, including Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, for their support in advancing gender equality.
She particularly acknowledged Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for sponsoring a bill that seeks to reserve special seats for women in parliament, ensuring increased representation in legislative houses.
Ogbara also praised First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for her leadership in advancing women’s welfare through the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a transformative force that has positively impacted countless Nigerian women.
The conference was organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development.
it brought together policymakers, civil society groups, and development partners to deliberate on strategies for enhancing women’s leadership and participation in national development
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