Nigeria is ranked 178th out of 182 nations in terms of the presence of women in national parliaments, despite persistent initiatives and support for greater political inclusion for women.
Only 3.9% of seats in Nigeria’s lower house and 2.8% of seats in the upper house are held by women as of January 2025, according to a ranking published by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
Nearly three years have passed since the Federal High Court ordered the government to impose a 35% female representation requirement in appointment positions in 2021.
Nigerian women are still waiting for the implementation of their long-overdue and well-deserved 35% affirmative action, notwithstanding the successful campaign spearheaded by civil society organizations such as the Nigerian Women Trust Fund.
In an interview, Bukky Shonibare, the executive director of Invictus Africa and a highly vocal figure in the sector, called on President Tinubu’s government to ensure that gender equality is not just a campaign slogan but a guiding principle for governance. As expectations rise in 2025, civil society organizations and political experts have continued to weigh in demanding the implementation of this judgement to increase women’s political inclusion.
According to her, “When judgments are ignored, it erodes public trust in the government and further exposes its lack of political will to address gender inequality.”
“It’s time for civil society organizations (CSOs) and women’s groups to demand accountability.
We need to put pressure on the administration to keep its promises and apply the 35% affirmative action policy.
“President Tinubu made a promising commitment in his manifesto, where he outlined plans to increase women’s participation in government to 35%,” she recalls. “But the reality has been disappointing. As of October 2024, only 17% of positions in the federal cabinet are held by women—far below the target. It’s clear that while the intentions are there, the actions are not.”
She said, “Despite incremental progress in some regions, society has yet to fully embrace the idea that women are capable leaders. While there has been a rise in the number of women in political offices, the numbers remain far below what would be considered truly inclusive.”
Shonibare asserts that the issue is not only the dearth of women in politics but also the structural obstacles they must overcome. Women are still excluded from politics due to cultural prejudices, budgetary limitations, and party structures that were not created with them in mind.
Shonibare provides a potent perspective when asked what Nigerian women may take up from past election experiences to increase their political engagement: “Power is not given; it’s taken.” She asserted that it takes courage, tenacity, and unflinching resolution to battle for and hold onto power. “It is unacceptable for women to be reduced to supporting roles in politics.” They must insist on being utilized for more than simply campaign-related side gigs, like as dancing at rallies or running errands, she said.
She underscores that women must perceive themselves as equal partners in the political realm, not simple instruments for someone else’s political goal. “Women need to start claiming space and fighting for it. Being a token figure is insufficient; women need to hold actual, significant positions of authority.
Shonibare says he is cautiously optimistic as Nigeria moves into 2025. In places like Katsina, she anticipates a more concerted attempt to encourage women to vote in local elections, particularly important council elections. Additionally, Shonibare anticipates seeing tangible initiatives from civil society organizations and the government. “The discussion needs to go beyond simply discussing women’s involvement and make sure they are included in the discussion as well as at the table where decisions are made.”
According to Shonibare, women’s organizations can be crucial in changing the discourse. It is essential to educate society about the value of women in leadership roles. Things will start to change once society realizes that women are essential to creating a better Nigeria, she says. Women’s organizations need to educate women about their leadership potential and role in governance. The notion that a woman belongs only in the kitchen or at home needs to be eliminated.
In order to guarantee that women are supported in their political ambitions, she also stressed the significance of mentorship, particularly from male allies. In order to give women a place in political structures—not just as women leaders, but as actual political leaders—we need male friends who are dedicated to this goal.
Shonibare calls for quick action as a parting message to the Tinubu-led administration. She asserts that the government needs to remove systemic obstacles that keep women from rising in politics, such as patriarchy and stigmatization. The pledge of 35% representation in government should be supported by a legal directive. These steps will demonstrate a sincere dedication to gender equality.
The special seat bill for women, which has already cleared its second reading in the National Assembly, is another item that Shonibare is optimistic will pass. “We are optimistic that this bill will soon become law, ensuring women have a guaranteed space in the political arena.”