In a decisive move to address Nigeria’s backlog in international reporting obligations and strengthen gender equality frameworks, the Federal Government has inaugurated a national committee on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Speaking at the inauguration, Nigeria’s representative to the CEDAW committee, Esther Egbhobamien-Mshelia, outlined the committee’s core responsibilities, which include reviewing and formulating policies related to CEDAW and coordinating government-wide implementation of the convention.
She noted that the committee would also oversee the preparation of Nigeria’s periodic reports to the CEDAW Committee and ensure compliance with global human rights obligations.
Egbhobamien-Mshelia expressed concern that Nigeria is currently in arrears on several reporting commitments, including statutory periodic reports, follow-up reports, and inquiry reports.
She, however, expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated committee would work with relevant stakeholders to reverse the trend and restore Nigeria’s standing among compliant nations.
She further stated that the committee would implement CEDAW-compliant flagship projects, facilitate legal reforms, and establish performance indicators to advance gender equality, particularly in sectors critical to economic transformation.
According to her, these efforts align with the Federal Government’s broader goal of achieving a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
The committee is also expected to engage civil society organisations, support the preparation of interim and outstanding reports, and prepare Nigeria for constructive dialogue sessions with the CEDAW Committee, while sustaining the country’s leadership in advancing women’s rights globally.
In her address, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the inauguration as a strategic step toward deepening Nigeria’s commitment to gender justice, equity, and inclusive development.
She said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises social inclusion, human capital development, and family stability.
The Minister highlighted the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Families and Social Development,” noting that strengthening families is central to achieving sustainable national growth.
She emphasised that eliminating discrimination against women remains critical to building resilient families and inclusive societies.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated that while Nigeria has demonstrated commitment to CEDAW, there is a need to move from policy declarations to measurable actions.
She noted that the committee would serve as a key institutional mechanism to drive implementation, ensure accountability, and deliver tangible results.
She also revealed that the committee would coordinate national efforts, strengthen inter-ministerial collaboration, and oversee the domestication and monitoring of CEDAW provisions across all levels of governance.
Additionally, it will play a central role in preparing Nigeria’s combined 9th and 10th country reports and tracking progress on gender indicators.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s recent introduction of the CEDAW Cities Initiative, which began with seven pilot states, describing it as a transformative approach that brings global gender commitments closer to grassroots communities.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for Egbhobamien-Mshelia’s bid for re-election to the CEDAW Committee, citing her contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s global voice on gender equality.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged members of the committee to serve with integrity and commitment, stressing that their role is critical to advancing women’s rights, addressing gender-based violence, and promoting economic inclusion.
She expressed confidence that the committee’s multi-sectoral composition, which includes representatives from ministries, agencies, civil society, and development partners, would ensure a coordinated and results-driven approach to achieving gender equality in Nigeria