A transformative shift is in the horizon for mothers in Nigeria as House of Representatives push for six months maternity leave A bill for an Act to amend the Labour Act, Cap. L1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to increase the maternity leave period of working women to six months and for related matters has passed the second reading in the House of Representatives. This is a significant step to increase maternity leave...
In this episode of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) tracker, we explore the push for greater inclusivity in Nigeria’s political landscape, which has gained momentum through a series of constitutional amendment bills in the House of Representatives to ensure better representation for marginalized groups. These bills seek to provide special seats for women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), youths, and other underrepresented groups in legislative and political appointments. Bill Analysis and Proposed Impact Special...
The quest for gender equality and social inclusion in Nigeria’s governance framework has taken another step forward with the introduction of several constitutional amendment bills aimed at promoting fair representation and women’s rights. Three bills, currently through to the second reading stage in the House of Representatives, collectively address long-standing legal gaps that have hindered gender parity in key political and social structures. This editio of GESI tracker examines the significance and potential impact of...
In this episode of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Tracker, we consider a bill on the importance of safeguarding the rights of the older persons and ensuring their full inclusion in the benefits and opportunities of society. The Older Persons Rights Bill, 2025, sponsored by Rep. Tochukwu Okere (LP, Imo) and Rep. Olubodun Festus Olugbenga (Oyo) has been presented for its first reading in the House of Representatives. It seeks to safeguard the...
How well has the much talked about cash transfers impacted on vulnerable and marginalized households and groups in Nigeria? In a bid to alleviate poverty and support vulnerable households, the Nigerian government, in collaboration with the World Bank, launched the Household Uplifting Programme – Conditional Cash Transfers (HUP-CCT) in September 2016. This initiative was designed to provide direct financial assistance to low-income families, enhancing their access to basic needs and improving their overall well-being. However,...
The Natasha-Akpabio brouhaha brings to the fore the low representation of women in the national and state assemblies of Nigeria Breaking Barriers The conversation around gender equality in governance has again taken center stage. Recently, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu (APC, Abia), renewed calls for legislative reforms to enhance women’s representation in Nigeria’s political landscape. He spoke at a three-day workshop on the operational guidelines for the national...
In this episode of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) tracker, the focus is on widowhood to women safety, examining key bills and motions that aim to protect and empower vulnerable groups in Nigeria. About the Widowhood Leave Bill The Nigerian legislature has taken a significant step in addressing the often-overlooked struggles of grieving spouses through the proposed Widowhood Leave Bill sponsored by Rep. Abdullahi Saidu Musa (APC, Niger). In a public hearing organised...
This week’s Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI tracker) discusses the tax reform bills currently in the National Assembly and its impact on marginalized groups. In October 2024, President Bola Tinubu introduced a series of tax reform bills to the National Assembly, aiming to overhaul Nigeria’s tax system. These reforms are designed to reduce multi-layered taxation, expand the tax base, enhance compliance, and generate sustainable revenue for national development. They also seek to protect small...
The Nigerian mining sector remains a critical driver of economic growth, yet its operations often sideline gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) considerations. In this episode, we shed light on this issue. A recent motion by Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (Nasarawa, SDP) to investigate non-compliance by mining operators to the provisions of the Minerals and Mines Act, 2007, and the Explosives Act underscores the urgent need to ensure that mining activities are not only legal...
As lawmakers round up scrutiny of the 2025 budget proposal, prioritizing gender and social inclusion in resource allocation is key to promoting inclusivity and equitable development. Budget defence by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) serves as a critical platform for lawmakers to carefully scrutinize details of the budget proposal laid by the president. This process ensures that public funds are not only allocated judiciousy but also distributed equitably to address the needs of all Nigerians,...
