Nigerian lawmakers have pledged support for the passage of amendments to security sector institution laws aimed at promoting gender inclusion.
The commitment was made in Abuja during a breakfast meeting on the presentation of the amended laws, organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), with support from UN Women and funding from the Government of Germany.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Ireti Kingibe, expressed optimism that all gender-related bills, including those on security and the 35% affirmative action for women, would be passed this year.
“The passage of these bills will fulfil both our domestic and international commitments. It will strengthen our democracy, boost economic development, and enhance national progress. This is not just about women—it’s about national development. Nigeria must be able to sit confidently at the global table,” she said.
Kingibe also mentioned that she had sponsored a bill to ensure 35% affirmative action for women in governance.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, emphasised that gender-responsive amendments were not just about equity, but about improving the effectiveness and legitimacy of the country’s security institutions.
Ogbara said; “For your information, the bills have passed first reading. They were scheduled for second reading last Thursday but had to be postponed due to the APC National Summit. However, we’re confident that the second reading will take place this week, with strong support from our colleagues.”
She reassured participants that the bills would move to public hearing and eventually receive legislative assent.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Makki Yalleman, pledged support for the swift passage of the bills, which he said would promote gender inclusion and fairness in the security sector.
NILDS’ Position
In his welcome remarks, the Director-General of NILDS, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman described the meeting as a strategic platform to formally present the proposed amendments and discuss a legislative resolution for implementing Nigeria’s Third National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).
He stressed the need to increase the recruitment and promotion of women in security agencies, noting that women willing and qualified to serve in combat roles should be given equal opportunities.
“The core message of these amendment bills is to promote a level playing field in the security sector. Women deserve the chance to grow and be recognised in all roles,” he said.
Sulaiman expressed concern that men advance more rapidly in the sector, largely because it is perceived as male-dominated.
“It is crucial that we push for women’s participation in peace and security. As legislators, you have the mandate to make this happen,” he urged.
Sulaiman called on lawmakers and security sector leaders to move away from limiting beliefs that undermine women’s ability to handle strategic responsibilities.
UN Women Reaffirms Support
UN Women’s Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong represented by Acting Deputy Representative, Ms. Patience Ekeoba, described the meeting as a vital step in reforming Nigeria’s security architecture to meet the needs of all citizens.
Ms Ekeoba highlighted the importance of aligning security institutions with global standards and Nigeria’s commitments to inclusive governance and human rights.
“When security institutions reflect the diversity of their populations and integrate gender perspectives into their operations, they are better equipped to prevent conflict, protect communities, and promote lasting peace,” she noted.
Ekeoba reaffirmed UN Women’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in mainstreaming gender into the security sector and advancing the WPS agenda.
Technical Session and Next Steps
The meeting also featured technical presentations on legislative support for the WPS agenda by UN Women’s WPS Team Lead, Mr. Peter Mancha; the proposed amendments by NILDS Senior Research Fellow, Dr. Usman Ibrahim; and a presentation on the Third National Action Plan (NAP) by Dr. Doris Aaron.
An interactive session titled “Legislative Pathways to Inclusive Security: Amendment of Security Sector Laws and Adoption of Resolution on the 3rd NAP” was facilitated by Dr. Emily Ikhide of NILDS.
Participants made additional suggestions, including the creation of a department to track compliance with gender-responsive policies.
The proposed amendments are expected to affect the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Armed Forces, and other agencies.
They aim to institutionalise a unified, gender-responsive compliance programme covering recruitment, training, posting, and discipline, anchored in law.