By Justina Auta
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, and other stakeholders have called for increased gender inclusion in Nigeria’s security sector to dismantle systemic barriers hindering women’s participation in decision-making roles.
They made this call at the Fifth Annual Forum of the Women, Peace, and Security Sector Reference Group on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event was organised in partnership with UN Women, German Cooperation, and other partners.
The minister highlighted the ongoing challenges women face in security institutions in spite of their significant contributions to national security.
She stressed the urgency of bridging the gap between policy commitments and implementation.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted progress in mainstreaming gender in security governance, citing the domestication of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security in 16 states and 22 local governments.
She called for the acceleration of gender-sensitive security reforms that would yield measurable outcomes and ensure equal opportunities for women in recruitment, leadership advancement, and operational roles.
The minister identified five priority areas for gender integration, including embedding gender policies in security planning and budgeting, increasing women’s representation in leadership, and strengthening gender-sensitive recruitment and promotion pathways.
She also called for institutionalised accountability mechanisms and improved security frameworks to protect women and girls from violence and conflict.
While commending the contributions of security agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, she urged them to fully implement the third NAP on Women, Peace, and Security.
She emphasised that the third NAP would be launched soon and highlighted the importance of its effective implementation.
Mrs Beatrice Eyong, Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS at UN Women, noted that the organisation had supported the review of key legislation with a gender lens.
This, she said included the Armed Forces Act, Nigerian Police Act, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps Act.
She urged the 10th National Assembly to prioritise passing these amendments to create a more inclusive and gender-sensitive legal framework for the security sector.
“As we prepare to launch NAP on Women, Peace, and Security, I call on heads of security institutions and other stakeholders to actively support its implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
“This will fulfil Nigeria’s commitment to UN Resolution 1325 and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the UN Sustainable Development Partnership Framework in Nigeria,” she said.
Annette Gunther, German Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Christoph Schwetz, reiterated Germany’s support to increase women’s roles in security and promote dialogue between communities and security forces.
“Let us strengthen our partnership and take concrete actions that promote peace and uphold the rights and security of women in Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), represented by Caroline Niagwan, Deputy Comptroller of Tariff and Trade, NCS, emphasised the pivotal role of women in peace and security.
“It is essential that we work together to develop actionable strategies to address emerging security challenges.
“The call to challenge traditional gender norms is crucial for creating a truly inclusive and effective security sector.”
Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, represented by Air Commodore Taiwo Ojo, stated, “We must lead by example in fostering gender-responsive policies.”
He also emphasised the need for strengthening accountability and ensuring the meaningful participation of women in peace and security processes.
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, represented by Aisha Baju, Assistant Inspector General of Police, added, “We acknowledge that women’s participation in peace processes is essential for creating inclusive and sustainable peace.”
Hajiya Aisha, National Chairperson of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), reiterated the media’s commitment to amplifying issues concerning the well-being and security of women and children in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that several notable male personalities were honoured as HeforShe Gender Champions at the event.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA