In this gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) tracker, we highlight three legislative interventions that stood out for their relevance in the House of Representatives, covering reforms in policing, rehabilitation of ex-inmates, and environmental protection in rural communities.
Together, these legislative actions signal an increasing, though still evolving, commitment to inclusion, protection, and systemic equity in Nigeria’s governance landscape
Restoring Dignity and Opportunity for Inmates
Rep. Olusola Steve Fatoba (APC, Ekiti) presented a bill to amend the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, to establish a trust fund for the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates, which has now passed second reading.
The bill proposes the creation of a dedicated fund to support structured rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates’ post-incarceration. This includes skills acquisition, mental health support, and socio-economic empowerment, key to reducing recidivism and promoting meaningful reintegration into society.
The Bill’s Relation to GESI
Inmates, especially youth, women, and persons with mental health challenges, are among Nigeria’s most stigmatized and structurally excluded populations. Upon release, many face social rejection, lack of economic opportunities, and institutional barriers to reentry. These issues are even more acute for women ex-inmates who face compounded stigma due to gender norms.
Since this bill has passed its second reading, legislators should focus on quickly passing it, ensuring that the fund is managed transparently and meets the needs of both male and female inmates.
CSOs working in justice reform should collaborate with lawmakers to develop implementation frameworks that reflect lived realities, especially for vulnerable groups. And correctional authorities must be empowered and held accountable to provide not just detention but genuine rehabilitation.
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Gender-responsive Policing and Security Reform
In a bold and consistent push for inclusion in Nigeria’s security sector, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC, Lagos) sponsored a bill to amend the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 to mandate a minimum of 15 percent women’s representation in police recruitment and require the Nigeria Police Force to institutionalize a gender-responsive compliance programme. This includes reforms in recruitment, training, posting, discipline, and the establishment of a dedicated compliance monitoring unit.
This bill builds on her broader advocacy efforts, as Rep. Ogbara has also championed similar legislation aimed at promoting gender equity in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the armed forces, signaling a comprehensive strategy to institutionalize gender balance across Nigeria’s security architecture.
Why This Matters for GESI
Security institutions remain among the most unequal and male-dominated public sectors in Nigeria. Women’s representation is not only low but also often symbolic, with little access to leadership, operational roles, or gender-sensitive workplace protections. These bills aim to correct entrenched biases and expand opportunities for women in law enforcement and national defense.
Environmental Justice as Social Protection
Rep. Salisu Yusuf Majigiri (PDP, Katsina) moved a motion drawing national attention to the devastating impact of gully erosion across communities in Mashi/Dutsi federal constituency, Katsina state. The motion notes that forecasted flooding in 2025, combined with already existing erosion threats, puts public infrastructure, including health centers, schools, markets, and transport routes, at grave risk.
The motion called on the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ecological Fund Office to deploy an immediate and coordinated response. It also mandated legislative oversight to ensure compliance and sustained intervention.
Viewing the Motion from the GESI Lens
Erosion might seem like a technical issue, but its real impact is social. Entire rural communities, especially those relying on small-scale farming and daily market access, face disruption. Women and girls bear the brunt of climate-induced infrastructure collapse, walking longer distances for water, education, or trade. Disconnected communities face rising food insecurity, job loss, and forced migration.
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Call to Action
Government agencies must urgently develop a climate-resilient infrastructure plan with a GESI perspective that addresses the specific needs of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the House Committees on Environment and Ecological Fund must ensure that disbursements are equitable and based on community-driven needs assessments. Finally, local CSOs and community leaders must be actively engaged in planning and monitoring environmental initiatives.
Advancing Inclusion Beyond Rhetoric
These legislative actions, pushing for policing equity, social reintegration, and environmental protection, reflect how inclusion is gaining traction in parliamentary work. But symbolic gestures must evolve into legislative priorities backed by funding, political will, and sustained oversight
As we track the midterm performance of the 10th National Assembly, the GESI Tracker urges lawmakers, civil society, and the media to: hold the National Assembly accountable to its GESI commitments; push for mainstreaming gender and inclusion in all legislative workstreams; and monitor not just the passage of bills and motions, but their implementation and impact.
Without intentional, inclusive, and well-executed legislation, millions will continue to remain unheard, unseen, and unprotected.
