EU Pushes for Women's Political Participation in Nigeria

The European Union is actively working to increase women's political participation in Nigeria as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. A high-level strategy meeting held in Abuja focused on advancing women's political leadership and strengthening pathways for inclusive representation.

The meeting, organized by the EU in collaboration with the Nigerian Women Trust Fund and the Nigerian Bar Association, brought together lawmakers, civil society actors, and political stakeholders to assess progress and propose strategies for the upcoming electoral cycle. Laolu Olawumi, the EU's gender advisor, highlighted the importance of political will in promoting women's representation, noting that the 2027 elections present a critical opportunity for constitutional reforms.

Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, raised concerns about the underrepresentation of women in state legislatures, where currently 15 states have no female representation. The meeting concluded with a renewed call for advocacy and stronger political commitment to institutional reforms aimed at improving women's representation.