… says investment in Nigerian women not a luxury but a strategic imperative

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reiterated his call for investment in Nigerian women, noting that in the present global and domestic context, investing in Nigerian women is not a luxury but a strategic imperative.

Abbas insisted that in building a just and progressive Nigeria, it is impossible to overstate the importance of promoting women’s welfare and upholding the spirit of Nigerian Constitution.

He regretted that nearly 60 per cent of African women lack basic literacy skills, a development he described as “a stark barrier to both personal advancement and national development. “

Delivering a keynote address on Thursday at the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025, held in Abuja with the theme “Investing in Nigerian Women, Securing our Future”, the speaker vowed that the 10th National Assembly will enact strong legislation not only to protect but also to empower women in politics.

Speaking further at the conference, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development chaired by Hon. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos), the speaker expressed concern over women’s under-representation in the nation’s political institutions.

Describing the theme as both apt and timely, he thanked the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, and wife of the Vice President, Nana Kashim Shettima, for their steadfast dedication to improving the economic and political conditions of women in Nigeria.

“In building a just and progressive Nigeria, it is impossible to overstate the importance of promoting women’s welfare and upholding the spirit of our Constitution.

“Nigeria’s history is replete with courageous women whose remarkable contributions have shaped the country’s trajectory. The pioneering women of our past, who broke barriers with steadfast resolve, laid the foundation for the progress we witness today.

“Their legacies urge us to continue the vital work of forging an inclusive, just, and prosperous nation, one grounded in constitutional ideals of equality and social welfare.

“Their stories remind us that we must not only dream of a better future but also act decisively to create it, ensuring that every Nigerian woman can thrive.

“In our present global and domestic context, investing in Nigerian women is not a luxury but a strategic imperative.

“Empowerment drives economic growth, fortifies food security, and strengthens the core of our communities. When we invest in our women, we invest in our farms, our markets, and in every child’s future,” he said.

He highlighted that despite constitutional guarantees of gender equality, Nigerian women continue to face discrimination, under-representation, 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.

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 in that regard.

He 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 added.

Beyond politics, the Speaker stressed that investing in women’s economic empowerment is 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.

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 Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, and Hon. 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 society.

The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hajiya Fatima Abbas, however, emphasised the need for women’s inclusion and empowerment, adding 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, calling it a movement aimed at breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of women.

She said the event serves 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.