By Prosper Mene
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the recent protest staged by staff of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, labeling it as politically motivated and an attempt to undermine the administration of Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
The demonstration, which took place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja’s Central Area, saw aggrieved workers blocking the gates, chanting slogans, and demanding the minister’s removal.
Protesters accused the ministry of neglecting staff welfare, including failure to provide welfare packages, professional training, and reimbursement for official trips dating back to January 2023.
In a viral video circulating on social media, one staff member lamented the unpaid allowances, while another, identified as Alake Success, criticized the minister’s inaccessibility and her appointment of over 25 special assistants, calling for her reassignment to another ministry.
A female protester, Anne Ojubele, highlighted the lack of working tools and resources, stating that the staff had endured the issues for over a year without resolution. The action escalated to the point where the minister was reportedly locked out of her office, adding to a series of recent protests across various Nigerian ministries, including those at the Finance Ministry involving the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and pensioners.
However, in a swift response, NANS, a prominent student body representing Nigerian tertiary institutions, dismissed the protest as orchestrated for political gain rather than genuine welfare concerns. According to a statement issued by NANS, the agitation is being fueled by elements opposed to the minister’s reforms and her efforts to reposition the ministry for better service delivery to women and vulnerable groups.
The organization urged the protesters to seek internal dialogue instead of public confrontation, emphasizing that such actions could distract from the ministry’s core mandate.”NANS views this protest as nothing but a politically motivated witch-hunt against a diligent public servant who has been working tirelessly to advance women’s rights in Nigeria,” the statement read.
It further called on the federal government to investigate any underlying political machinations and ensure that legitimate staff grievances are addressed through proper channels.
Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who assumed office in October 2024 following the dismissal of her predecessor, Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, has yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of Friday. Sources within the ministry indicate that attempts to engage the minister have been ongoing, but the protesters’ demands for her ouster have complicated matters.
Civil society groups have called for transparency and accountability, while labor unions monitor the situation closely.
