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UNDP: For Nigeria to Walk Tall, Women Must Not Be Excluded from Political Leadership
UNDP: For Nigeria to Walk Tall, Women Must Not Be Excluded from Political Leadership
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has warned Nigeria against continued exclusion of women from political leadership, insisting that to walk tall in the emerging world order a nation needs both genders.
Speaking in Abuja, at a High-Level Roundtable with Media Professionals on the bill for the Reserved Seats for Women aimed at increasing women’s representation in Parliament, the UNDP Resident Representative for Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, explained that the debate over the proposed Special Seats Bill for Women must move beyond emotion and politics, stressing
that women’s political participation is now a strategic requirement for Nigeria’s survival and leadership in a world being reshaped by artificial intelligence, demographic disruptions, mineral politics and geopolitical rivalry.
She noted that: The world, Nigeria must navigate today, is fiercely competitive. Countries are contesting on ideas, values and narratives. Nigeria must navigate a world of a shifting geopolitics, rapid technological transformation artificial intelligence, the internet, of things demographic pressures, and contested influence. Nigeria cannot walk into that future with half its population excluded from shaping decisions. Nigeria cannot compete globally with less than 5% female representation. We need different voices and ideas around the table to position Nigeria as a great leader. We are looking at inclusive governance young people, women, persons with disabilities. When Nigeria succeeds, Africa succeeds”
She decried Nigeria’s current representation of women less than 5%, as incompatible with the country’s ambition to lead Africa, stressing that: “Global data consistently shows a direct link between women’s political leadership and national progress in economic growth, health, education, and technological innovation. There is clear evidence. When women sit at the decision-making table, countries do better economically, socially, technologically.
She cited countries like Rwanda, Senegal, Mexico and Sierra Leone, as examples where gender quotas unlocked political stability, innovation and stronger governance systems, stressing that Nigeria risks missing out on Beijing+30 Gains.
She noted that by comparison, “Nigeria still has less than 5% female representation in political decision-making, with only four women in the Senate and about 17 in the House of Representatives. There is a lot more that can be done.”
She further commended Nigerian advocates for their effort and energy in pushing gender inclusion, stating that: “A few days ago, I saw men and women engaging legislators, offering creative solutions, advocating that we make history together.
Referencing this year’s Beijing +30 anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, review, She said global progress on gender equality remained uneven, with Nigeria’s progress remaining far off the mark, especially in political participation, noting that the gaps are still huge, “We are far away from gender equality in political leadership. The 16 Days of Activism remind us that it cannot be just 16 days; it must be 365 days of responsibility. The bill aligns with Nigeria’s international obligations under SDG 5, SDG 16 and CEDAW. We feel it is an opportunity to create momentum for the imperatives under Beijing +30 and under the Sustainable Development Goals.”
According to her, around the world, countries are using special seats or quota systems as temporary tools to correct historical and structural exclusion.
“This is not tokenism. It is a proven mechanism to level the field where history has tilted it. Women’s Leadership Now a Security and Development Issue”.
While Nigerian political debates often frame women’s representation as charity, fairness or morality, Ms Attafuah, shifted the frame entirely calling it an economic, security and development imperative.
“Inclusive governance is now directly linked to a nation’s ability to survive global shocks from digital disruption to mineral tensions and geopolitical competition. In a world driven by AI, demographic explosion and contested global influence, Nigeria needs every voice, every idea, every perspective to compete,” she said.
She however reaffirmed that UNDP’s involvement in supporting the process at the invitation of the National Assembly, was anchored on evidence that inclusive governance drives national progress.
She said: “We have been working with the National Assembly, supporting consensus building and communication, and leveraging the newly launched African Facility for Women in Political Leadership, led by a Nigerian Regional Director. Nigeria Must Not Sleepwalk Into the Future. Today is a follow-up on earlier conversations. A few weeks ago, we discussed the role of women in political leadership and the special seats bill for women. what more can be done, and how we can bring our assets together to take this forward. We remain apolitical. We have been helping with communication and clarifying what we are collectively trying to seek promoting inclusive governance and economic growth.”
The UNDP Resident Representative, charged Nigerian media professionals, to be active in helping to dismantle stereotypes and misinformation about women in politics.
She said: “The media does not only mirror society — it shapes society’s imagination If Nigerians cannot imagine women as leaders, it becomes difficult to elect them.”
On her part, the President of the Women in Politics Forum, Mrs Ebere Ifendu, stressed that women’s political participation can only be achieved when it is backed with legislation.
She said: “Why do we need legislation to support women’s political participation? we have worked across two political parties to see if we could get it from that angle. It didn’t work out for us. Looking at other countries, we have also realised that without legislation we would not be doing much.”
Ifendu commended all the support from partners such as , UNDP, UN Women, the Canadian government, EU, British High Commission, and Nigerian men within and outside the parliament, who are making sure the bill is passed.
Stakeholders were urged to act decisively as the postponed vote on the Special Seats Bill approaches, calling it an opportunity for Nigeria to make history.
The Women Special Seats Bill is a vital step toward increasing women’s representation and building a more inclusive democracy in Nigeria.
UNDP: For Nigeria to Walk Tall, Women Must Not Be Excluded from Political Leadership
Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions
By: Michael Mike
The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the State of Kuwait has urged Nigerian nationals in Kuwait and Bahrain to remain calm, vigilant, and compliant with host government ldirectives in light of prevailing regional developments.
In a circular dated March 1, 2026, and referenced NKT/GA/C/004/Vol. I, the Embassy — which holds concurrent accreditation to the Kingdom of Bahrain — advised citizens to strictly observe safety guidelines and official advisories issued by authorities in both countries.
The mission encouraged Nigerians to stay informed by monitoring credible local news outlets and official government announcements in Kuwait and Bahrain. It assured the community that it is closely tracking the situation and maintaining communication with leaders of Nigerian groups and associations in both countries.
To enhance real-time communication, the Embassy announced the creation of a dedicated mobile and WhatsApp line to ensure active engagement with nationals.
For further inquiries or assistance, Nigerians were advised to contact the Embassy via email at nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or through the designated telephone and WhatsApp numbers provided by the mission.
The Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and welfare of all Nigerian citizens in its jurisdiction and pledged to continue providing timely updates as the situation evolves.
Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions
Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei
Dr Salihu Bakari Girei, Gubernatorial aspirant under the platform All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 described the defection of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to the ruling party as a welcome development for the APC in the state.
Girei said that his defection is coming at the right time to galvanise the party’s victory in 2027 General Elections at the national and sub national level.
Dr Girei who is one of the founding fathers of the APC in the state disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Yola.
He said, Fintiri joined APC at the right time considering his outstanding performance in the state which he said was in line with President Tinubu’s transformation agenda.
He added that the defection would add value to the APC family and also help deliver dividends of democracy to the ordinary people that are yearning for good governance as well as to fast-track development.
He said Fintiri has performed credibly well, in line with his 10-point agenda for the state to justify the people’s trust in his leadership and administration.
Dr Girei further lauded President Bola Tinubu for his effort and strategy in addressing Nigeria’s challenges for and ensuring rapid development.
He said, “President Tinubu is very strategic in addressing Nigeria’s challenges and many now understood that Mr President meant well for this country and has turned the fortune of the country around for good.”
According to him, records have shown that the dollar has crashed, the economy stabilized, security improved, food is affordable and issues of strikes are no more among others.
Bakari-Girei said, all these are factors that naturally attract people joining the APC across the country for more development in the country.
He queried those saying that President Tinubu is turning the country into a one-party system, recalling that the PDP once had 30 governors and no one complained.
“Today people have decided to join APC because of many factors initiated by the President Tinubu administration that naturally attracted people to join APC and support Mr President.”
He pointed to President Tinubu’s history as governor of Lagos, where opposition platforms continued to function, as evidence of his commitment to multi-party democracy.
He also appreciated the foresight of the President for appointing Malam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser who has invested much in APC in the state.
He further urged unity and understanding of all APC stakeholders in the state for the progress and success of the party at all levels.
Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei
News
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
By: Michael Mike
The Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS will hold a high-level bilateral meeting in the Republic of Guinea from March 2 to 4, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen the enforcement of its judgments across Member States.
The three-day engagement, organised in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States, is expected to bring together the Court’s delegation, Guinea’s Competent National Authority (CNA), senior government officials, and representatives of civil society to address persistent challenges in implementing the Court’s rulings.
At the heart of the meeting is the push to close the gap between judicial decisions and their execution at the national level. While the ECOWAS Court continues to deliver landmark judgments on human rights, governance, and community law, enforcement remains a critical concern in several jurisdictions. The Guinea dialogue is aimed at building a more effective, coordinated, and transparent enforcement framework.
Discussions will focus on practical strategies to improve compliance rates, streamline procedures, and strengthen collaboration between national institutions and the regional court. Participants are expected to review existing bottlenecks, share best practices, and identify sustainable solutions that can enhance uniformity in enforcement mechanisms across the sub-region.
The programme will include a dedicated forum examining the current status of enforcement of the Court’s judgments in Guinea, alongside presentations on the Court’s enforcement processes and the national legal landscape. Civil society organisations will also engage directly with the Court in a bilateral dialogue designed to promote accountability and inclusive participation.
Beyond the technical sessions, the Court’s delegation will pay courtesy visits to key government figures, including the Minister in charge of ECOWAS Affairs, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Finance, the President of the Supreme Court, and the Speaker of Parliament. Meetings are also scheduled with the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission and the President of the Bar Association.
The delegation will be led by the President of the Court, Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, and will include Vice-President Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Honourable Justice Gberi-Bè Ouattara, as well as directors and other officials.
Similar bilateral meetings have previously taken place in the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, reflecting the Court’s broader strategy to institutionalise cooperation and reinforce the authority of its judgments throughout West Africa.
As ECOWAS marks five decades of regional integration, the Guinea engagement signals a renewed determination to ensure that the decisions of its judicial arm are not only pronounced but fully implemented—strengthening the rule of law and deepening trust in regional justice systems.
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens Amid Regional Tensions
Gov. Fintiri’s defection will boost APC’s chances of winning in 2027 – Dr Girei
Community Court of Justice, ECOWAS Moves to Boost Enforcement of Judgments with High-Level Talks in Republic of Guinea
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