Nigeria Aims for Gender Parity in Politics by 2035

At the Forum on Women’s Political Leadership in Abuja, West African leaders, including Nigeria's Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, committed to achieving gender parity in political leadership by 2035. The forum aimed to dismantle barriers that have historically excluded women from governance.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that increasing women's political participation is essential for national development and stronger democratic institutions. Nigeria is implementing its Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and reforming leadership academies to prepare more women for leadership roles.

The Special Reserved Seats Bill for women is under review to better align with Nigeria's political realities, with new proposals being considered to enhance women's representation. President Bola Tinubu's administration is focused on aligning domestic reforms with regional commitments.

ECOWAS Commission Vice President Damtien Tchintchibidja warned that the success of the regional agenda depends on collective efforts to overcome existing challenges.