Women’s rights, inclusion and their wellbeing in Nigeria will always be at the top of the House of Representatives’ priorities, the legislative body has said.
Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening legislative and institutional frameworks aimed at advancing women’s rights as part of the 2026 International Women’s Day celebrations on Sunday, the legislators, through their spokesman, Akin Rotimi, said the parliament remains committed “to promoting policies and reforms that expand opportunities for women and address structural inequalities affecting them.”
The International Women’s Day is observed yearly on March 8 to celebrate the resilience, leadership and contributions of women while drawing attention to the need for gender equality.
Rotimi said the House joined Nigerians and the international community in commemorating the day and recognising the contributions of Nigerian women at home and in the diaspora, whose efforts continue to shape the nation’s social and economic progress.
He said, “This year’s theme, ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,’ highlights the need to move beyond recognition toward concrete measures that advance gender equality.
“Despite notable progress in many areas, women and girls still face structural inequalities and systemic barriers that limit opportunity and undermine justice. Addressing these challenges requires sustained reforms, stronger institutions, and collective commitment,” the statement read in part.
The House spokesman also noted that the global campaign “Give to Gain” reinforces the importance of investing in women and girls through education, mentorship, leadership and economic opportunities.
He noted that expanding opportunities for women is not only a matter of fairness but also critical to sustainable national development.
“As the People’s House, the House of Representatives affirms that promoting the rights and well-being of women and girls is a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of governments, institutions, communities and citizens alike,” Rotimi said.
He reiterated that inclusive governance and equitable legal frameworks are essential to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that all Nigerians can contribute meaningfully to national development. He added that the House has, in line with Agenda 6 (Inclusion and Open Parliament) of its legislative agenda, strengthened oversight of relevant institutions to ensure compliance with the National Gender Policy while advancing bills aimed at promoting women’s participation and protection.
Rotimi listed measures currently under legislative consideration to include bills seeking to ensure gender-responsive recruitment into security agencies, including proposals that provide for at least 15 per cent female representation in recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
He added that several constitutional amendment bills aimed at promoting inclusion are also before the parliament. These, he said, include proposals to provide specific seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly; allow independent candidates to contest presidential, governorship and legislative elections; promote women’s inclusion in governance; grant citizenship rights to spouses; and replace the death penalty with life imprisonment for pregnant women convicted of capital offences.
He said that the initiatives demonstrate the determination of the House to remove structural barriers, strengthen protections and expand opportunities for women within Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Rotimi also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian women across various sectors, including governance, public service, enterprise, education, healthcare and community leadership.
According to him, the 17 female members of the 10th House of Representatives have continued to play important roles in legislative deliberations, policy development and constituency representation.
“When women and girls thrive, communities prosper, and nations grow stronger,” Rotimi said, calling on government institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens to work collectively towards building a society where the rights, dignity and potential of every Nigerian woman and girl are fully realised.
