As part of Nigeria’s celebrations of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured that the National Assembly will prioritize gender equality by passing the five gender-related bills currently under review. He said that this follows commitment by the Senate to work towards ensuring better representation and opportunities for women in all spheres of life.
Akpabio gave the assurance while delivering a keynote address at the special Senate dialogue on International Women’s Day, held at the national assembly with theme: “Accelerate Action – Economic and Political Inclusion: Walk the Talk”.
Akpabio highlighted the critical importance of empowering women through legal reforms. He announced that the Senate would not only continue to support women’s rights but would also take concrete steps to ensure that these changes are legislated into law, emphasizing that empowering women is key to creating lasting legacies for future generations
“We must go back to where we see upward movement of women in all spheres of life,” Akpabio said, . He stressed the need for women to be well-represented in all levels of governance, both politically and economically, and that the National Assembly would support initiatives to ensure their active participation.
The Senate President also expressed his strong belief in the abilities of women. He pointed to the crucial roles women play in managing households and communities, offering a powerful tribute to the resilience and strength of women across the nation.
“Women are better managers. They are prudent in all aspects of life. If women didn’t manage us well, we wouldn’t even get here.”
Akpabio acknowledged the challenges women face in the political sphere, particularly in terms of self-representation. He noted that while women make up 51% of the voting population in Nigeria, they often do not vote for themselves or elect their own kind into political office. He called for a change in this trend, advocating for constitutional provisions to reserve a certain percentage of parliamentary seats for women.
Drawing on international examples from countries such as Tanzania, South Africa, and the UAE, Akpabio suggested that Nigeria could adopt a similar system where women are appointed to key positions to ensure they are well-represented in decision-making processes. He promised that such reforms would be pursued with urgency and dedication, making gender equality a core priority for the National Assembly in the coming legislative sessions.
In addition to his commitment to passing gender bills, Akpabio also addressed the issue of false accusations, particularly sexual harassment claims, calling for integrity and transparency in such matters. He cautioned that while the protection of women’s rights is paramount, false claims could harm the integrity of both the accusers and the accused, stressing the need for justice and due process.
“Time will tell. We must condemn all issues of sexual harassment that are fake, but we must also ensure that women are protected when they speak out against injustice.”
Reflecting on his personal experiences with the women in his life, Akpabio expressed his pride in his daughters and his wife, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that women’s rights and opportunities are given the attention and respect they deserve.
“I will remain an advocate for the rights of women until the day I die,” he declared.
The Senate President closed his speech by assuring women that the National Assembly would continue to collaborate with them in the fight for gender equality, reinforcing his unwavering belief that a stronger, more inclusive Nigeria can only be achieved by lifting women to the positions of influence and leadership they deserve.
His pledge to pass the five gender bills and his call for greater political representation and gender justice resonated deeply with the audience, leaving many hopeful for a future where women’s rights are enshrined in law and fully realized in society.
Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, praised the remarkable achievements of Nigerian women and recognized the significant steps taken by the Senate in prioritizing women’s empowerment, particularly through the historic increase in the Ministry’s budget by 1000%. She reiterated the importance of continuing to push for more women in leadership roles and for strong policies that empower women.
Ibrahim commended the collaborative efforts between government leaders, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio, in advancing women’s rights. She expressed optimism about the future, knowing that with continued efforts, Nigerian women would break more barriers and take on leadership roles across all sectors.
Meanwhile, renowned rights activist Ene Obi, noted the ongoing struggles for greater representation of women in the Nigerian Senate. She called for more women to be elected to the Senate and for the protection of female legislators, stating that the current underrepresentation—only four women out of 109 senators—was a matter that needed urgent redress.
Obi also spoke of the broader socio-economic challenges facing Nigerian women, particularly the plight of women and girls living in poverty. She reminded the audience that their fight for women’s rights must continue, regardless of the obstacles, urging them to stay united and committed to the cause of gender equality.
Executive Director of the Gender Mobile Initiative, Omowumi Ogunrotimi, spoke about Nigeria’s pivotal moment in its pursuit of gender equity. She emphasized that the global theme for IWD 2025, “Accelerate Action,” provided an opportunity for critical reflection and decisive action.
Ogunrotimi pointed out that women continue to face barriers to economic and political inclusion, citing troubling statistics such as the fact that women own only 20% of enterprises in the formal sector and occupy just 12% of executive positions in Nigerian banks. She called for gender-responsive policies in national economic planning, urging the Senate to prioritize access to credit, legal recognition of women’s land rights, and investment in women-led enterprises.
She also drew attention to the urgent need to pass the Sexual Harassment Prevention Bill, which, despite being passed by the House of Representatives in 2024, has yet to be enacted. She urged the Senate to fast-track the passing of this crucial bill, which she stated is essential for protecting students from sexual exploitation.
