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Women Gain Ground but Face Persistent Gaps in Nigeria’s Corporate Leadership

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By Prosper Mene, April 12, 2025

Women in Nigeria’s corporate sector are making efforts but continue to face significant barriers to reaching the highest echelons of leadership, according to recent data from the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Women now occupy 24% of board seats in NGX-listed companies, a rise from 21% in 2020, showing incremental progress in gender diversity. Yet, this figure lags behind the global average of 28%, and only 12% of CEOs in these firms are women, underscoring a stubborn gender gap in top executive roles.

The uptick in board representation reflects growing efforts by organizations like the NGX and Women on Boards Network to advocate for diversity. Initiatives such as mentorship programs and diversity quotas have gained traction, with some companies reporting tangible results. For instance, firms like Access Bank and Stanbic IBTC have bolstered female representation through targeted leadership pipelines, contributing to the broader trend.

However, the low percentage of female CEOs points at deeper challenges. Experts point to structural issues, including limited access to executive mentorship, cultural biases, and work-life balance pressures, as key impediments. A 2024 PwC Nigeria survey revealed that 62% of female professionals experienced subtle discrimination, often impacting their confidence to pursue C-suite roles. “The pipeline to leadership is there, but it’s fraught with obstacles that men rarely face,” said Dr. Aisha Mohammed, a corporate governance consultant based in Lagos.

Recent policy moves aim to address these disparities. In early 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria introduced guidelines encouraging NGX-listed companies to reach 30% female board representation by 2030. While the measure has sparked optimism, its voluntary nature has drawn criticism from advocates who argue for mandatory quotas to accelerate change.

The economic case for diversity is clear: a 2025 McKinsey Nigeria report found that companies with greater gender diversity outperform peers by 15-20% in profitability. Yet, cultural norms and systemic barriers continue to slow progress. “We’re seeing more women on boards, but the CEO role remains elusive. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about changing mindsets,” said Funmi Adebayo, a board member at a leading Nigerian conglomerate.

As Nigeria’s corporate landscape evolves, stakeholders are calling for bolder actions from enforceable policies to inclusive workplace cultures and to ensure women not only join boards but also lead from the top

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Nigerian Women Await Action as Gender Equality Bill Languishes in Review.

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By Prosper Mene, April 12, 2025

For years, Nigerian women’s rights advocates have rallied behind the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, a proposed law designed to enforce equal pay and opportunities across sectors. Yet, as the bill remains stalled in legislative review, frustration is mounting among those who see it as critical to dismantling systemic gender disparities, according to reports from Punch in March 2025.

The bill, first introduced over a decade ago, seeks to domesticate international commitments like the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which Nigeria ratified in 1985. Its provisions include mandates for equal pay, protection against workplace discrimination, and measures to boost women’s access to education and leadership roles. If passed, it could reshape Nigeria’s corporate and public sectors, where women hold only 24% of board seats and 12% of CEO positions in NGX-listed companies.

Despite its promise, the bill’s slow progress has sparked criticism. Advocates argue that the male-dominated National Assembly,where women make up just 4% of lawmakers, has repeatedly sidelined the legislation, citing cultural and religious concerns. “This delay is not just bureaucratic; it’s a deliberate barrier to justice,” said Chioma Okeke, a Lagos-based gender equality activist. “Every year we wait, women lose opportunities, wages, and safety.”

Recent debates in the Senate highlight the divide. While some lawmakers support the bill’s alignment with constitutional guarantees of non-discrimination, others claim it conflicts with traditional norms. A 2025 attempt to fast-track the bill faltered after heated sessions, leaving it in committee limbo.

The economic stakes are high. The International Monetary Fund estimates that closing Nigeria’s gender gap could boost GDP growth by over 1% annually. Yet, with only 30% of women in managerial roles and a persistent wage gap, the need for legal reform is urgent.

As protests loom ahead of International Women’s Day 2026, advocates are pressing for action. “We’re tired of promises,” said Okeke. “Nigerian women deserve laws that match their contributions.” The National Assembly has yet to schedule the bill’s next review, leaving its fate uncertain.

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Northern Women Threaten Protests Against Emir Sanusi Over Police Cooperation in Kano Clash

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By Prosper Mene, April 9, 2025 

Tensions are escalating in Kano as a group of Northern women have issued a public ultimatum to the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, demanding that he fully cooperate with police investigations into a deadly clash during Sallah celebrations on March 30, 2025. The women, voicing their frustration through statements shared on social media platforms, warned that failure to comply could lead to widespread protests, potentially worsening the already fragile regional stability.

The controversy generated from an incident during the Eid festivities, where Sanusi defied a police ban on durbar activities by riding on horseback after prayers. The event turned violent, resulting in one death and an injury within the Emir’s entourage amid clashes between rival groups. The incident has reignited tensions in the long-standing rivalry between Sanusi and his cousin, Aminu Ado Bayero, over the Kano emirate throne—a dispute that has polarized the region since Sanusi’s reinstatement in 2024 following Bayero’s dethronement in 2020.

Initially, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, summoned Sanusi to Abuja for questioning. However, following public outcry and intervention from stakeholders, the summons was withdrawn on April 7, with police directed to take Sanusi’s statement in Kano instead. Despite this adjustment, the Northern women remain dissatisfied, insisting that the Emir’s cooperation is essential for justice and peace. “Sanusi must heed the police, or we will take to the streets,” read one widely circulated statement on X, reflecting a sentiment that has sparked heated online debates.

In Kano, where historical and political rivalries run deep, any protest could further inflame tensions, potentially drawing in broader segments of the population.

Local voices in Kano are divided. Some residents support the women’s call for accountability, arguing that no one should be above the law. “The Emir’s actions led to a death—there must be justice,” said Fatima Abdullahi, a market trader in Kano, who spoke to reporters today. Others, however, see the situation as politically motivated, pointing to the ongoing emirate dispute as the root of the conflict. “This is less about justice and more about settling scores,” argued Musa Ibrahim, a local historian, who believes the police and government should focus on mediating the rivalry rather than escalating it through investigations.

The Kano State Police Command has not yet issued a public response to the women’s ultimatum, but sources indicate they are under pressure to handle the situation delicately to avoid further unrest. Meanwhile, Sanusi has remained silent on the matter, a stance that some interpret as defiance and others as a strategic move to avoid inflaming the situation further.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigeria’s Women Take the Tech Stage: A Revolution in Ambition and Skills

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By Prosper Mene, April 9, 2025

In Nigeria today, a quiet revolution is underway, and women are leading the charge. With the tech industry poised to reshape the nation’s future, initiatives like Microsoft’s Nigeria Women Techsters, in partnership with Tech4Dev, are arming women with the tools to thrive in a digital world. On April 7, 2025, the program launched technical support for its Women Techsters Bootcamp Cohort 4.0, signaling that the push to empower women in AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills is accelerating at breakneck speed.

Since its inception on International Women’s Day 2021, Women Techsters has transformed lives, reaching over 120,000 women across 22 African countries by early 2024. Now, in 2025, it’s hitting new milestones. This week’s bootcamp sessions are diving deep into cybersecurity—an area where women are historically underrepresented but increasingly vital. “We’re training women to not just participate but to lead,” said Joel Ogunsola, Tech4Dev’s co-founder, in a recent post on X.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. Nigeria’s tech sector is on track to pump $180 billion into the economy by 2030, yet women remain a minority in the field, globally hovering at just 30% of tech roles. Programs like Women Techsters are flipping the script. Take Amina Yusuf, a 24-year-old from Kano who joined the program in 2023. Once a small-scale trader, she’s now a freelance AI developer, crediting the training for her pivot. “I didn’t know code could change my life until I tried,” she said in a recent interview.

The momentum isn’t isolated. Google’s Women Techmakers event in Jos on March 28, 2025, rallied female innovators, while TD Africa’s TecHERdemy, launched late last year with Huawei and Cisco, is upskilling 400 Nigerian women. These efforts echo a global call to action—seen in the 2025 International Women’s Day theme, “Breaking Barriers”—to dismantle obstacles in tech.

Still, there are difficulties ahead. Rural women, in particular, face barriers like limited internet access and societal pushback. However this is a good turn ahead, Experts warn that without broader infrastructure and cultural shifts, the gains could be minimal. But for now, Nigeria’s women are seizing the moment, proving that tech isn’t just a man’s game, but a space where ambition, skill, and opportunity thrive.

 

 

 

 

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Deadly Attack in Plateau State: Rising Toll on Women

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By Prosper Mene, April 08, 2025

A brutal attack by gunmen in Nigeria’s Plateau State has left at least 52 people dead, with women and children among the casualties, intensifying fears over the region’s spiraling violence. The attack, which occurred on April 7, 2025, in a rural community, was reported by Reuters and has reignited calls for urgent government action to curb the insecurity plaguing the area.

Local authorities and survivors described a scene of chaos as armed assailants struck, targeting villagers in an escalation of the long-standing conflict between herders and farmers. While the exact motive remains unclear, the violence has once again exposed the disproportionate impact on women, who are increasingly caught in the crossfire. Many have been widowed, displaced, or left to fend for orphaned children amid a cycle of retaliatory attacks that shows no sign of abating.

“This is not just about land or cattle anymore—it’s a war on our families,” said Grace Dung, a community leader in Jos, who lost relatives in the assault. “Women are burying their husbands and children, yet we’re still waiting for protection that never comes.”

The Plateau State government confirmed the death toll and deployed security forces to the area, but residents say such measures are too little, too late. Advocacy groups argue that women, who often lack the means to flee or defend themselves, are bearing the heaviest burden. Displacement camps are swelling with female-headed households, and reports of gender-based violence in these areas are on the rise.

The federal government has faced mounting criticism for its inability to stem the bloodshed in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where ethnic and resource disputes fuel unrest. Women’s organizations rallied in the state capital today, demanding targeted interventions—such as safe havens and economic support—to shield vulnerable populations from further harm.

“We cannot keep counting bodies while the world looks away,” said Fatima Ibrahim of the Plateau Women’s Network. “The government must act now, or more women will pay the price for this neglect.”

Women in Plateau State are facing immense challenges amidst the ongoing crisis. The recent attacks have left them vulnerable to severe violence, sexual abuse, poverty, food scarcity and insecurity. Many have lost their homes, farms and livelihoods, forcing them to flee or live in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

 

 

 

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Nigerian Women Protest Against Senate Over Harassment Claims

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By Prosper Mene, April 08, 2025 

Hundreds of women took to the streets of Abuja today, demanding justice for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose suspension from the Nigerian Senate has ignited a firestorm over sexism in politics. Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of just four female senators in the 109-member chamber, was barred from duties for six months without pay after accusing a senior colleague of sexual harassment. Outside the National Assembly, protesters waved signs reading “End the Silence” and chanted for reforms to safeguard women in public office.

The senator’s allegations, first aired in mid-March, have peeled back the curtain on Nigeria’s male-dominated political arena, where women occupy less than 4% of parliamentary seats—a stark outlier even among African nations. Activists say her punishment exemplifies a chilling pattern: women who challenge the status quo face swift retaliation. “This isn’t just about one senator—it’s a warning to all of us,” said Aisha Mohammed, a prominent women’s rights advocate. “They want us to conform or be crushed, but we’re fighting back.”

The backlash has drawn support from former female lawmakers, who recounted their own struggles with harassment and exclusion during their tenures. Their stories have fueled a bigger movement, with demonstrators calling for an independent probe into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims and a overhaul of Senate conduct rules. “I faced the same whispers, the same threats,” said ex-Senator Stella Oduah at the rally. “It’s time for accountability.”

Under pressure, Senate leadership announced a closed-door policy review, but many dismiss it as a hollow gesture. “We’ve seen promises before, nothing changes,” said protester Funmi Adebayo, a university student. “Women deserve more than token seats and silenced voices.”

Nigeria’s struggle with gender equity in governance is a pressing concern, with women facing significant barriers in politics and society. Despite being Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria has made slow progress in promoting women’s rights and representation.

 

 

 

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Pregnant Woman Brutally Murdered in Abuja Home, Sparking Outrage Amid Rising Gender-Based Violence Concerns

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By Prosper Mene April 8, 2025 

A pregnant woman was brutally murdered in her matrimonial home in Abuja on the night of April 6, 2025, The woman, who was five months pregnant, was killed by unknown assailants, leaving the community in shock and reigniting urgent discussions about the safety of women in Nigeria amidst ongoing protests and systemic challenges.

The incident was first brought to public attention by an Abuja-based X user, Aunty Halima, who shared the tragic news, prompting widespread outrage online. Details surrounding the murder remain scarce, with authorities yet to release an official statement on the investigation or the identity of the victim. However, the brutality of the crime has struck a nerve, particularly given the timing, coming just a day after nationwide protests in Abuja, Lagos, and Rivers State, where women and activists were among those demonstrating against the misuse of the Cybercrime Act of 2024, economic hardship, and increasing authoritarianism.

The Take It Back Movement, which organized the protests, has been vocal about the Nigerian government’s failure to address systemic issues, including gender-based violence. On April 7, 2025, protesters in Port Harcourt and Abuja faced teargas from police, a response that critics argue reflects a broader pattern of suppression rather than protection. Juwon Sanyaolu, the National Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, stated during the protests, “We are resisting the increasing authoritarianism of this administration,” a sentiment that resonates deeply in the wake of this latest tragedy.

This murder adds to a grim tally of gender-based violence in Nigeria. A 2024 report by the DOHS Cares Foundation revealed that 133 women and girls were killed in gender-related incidents last year alone, with cases ranging from intimate partner violence to targeted attacks. The European Institute for Gender Equality defines such killings as femicide, often rooted in misogyny and patriarchal structures that devalue women’s lives. In Nigeria, where 30% of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence, according to the Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the crisis is undeniable.

Civil society groups are now calling for immediate action to address the systemic failures that enable such violence. Ololade Ajayi, founder of DOHS Cares Foundation, emphasized, “Femicide is a crime against life. It should be regarded as a societal problem.” Activists argue that the government’s focus on suppressing dissent—evidenced by the crackdown on protests and the misuse of the Cybercrime Act to target journalists and activists—diverts resources and attention from protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women.

The murder in Abuja is a stark reminder of the dangers women face in Nigeria, where cultural and systemic barriers often prevent justice. A 2024 study in the Terrorism and Political Violence journal noted that misogyny fuels violent intentions, particularly among men who feel a “sense of violated entitlement,” a dynamic that may contribute to such targeted attacks. Meanwhile, the government’s failure to address these root causes, coupled with a justice system that often lets femicide suspects walk free, continues to embolden perpetrators.

As the investigation into this tragic murder unfolds, the incident has already become a rallying cry for those demanding change. With protests ongoing and the nation grappling with economic and social crises, the question remains: will this latest tragedy finally spur meaningful action to protect Nigerian women, or will it become another statistic in a long list of unresolved cases?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigeria’s First Lady Sounds Alarm on Soaring Maternal and Newborn Deaths

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By Prosper Mene, April 7, 2025

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has publicly condemned the nation’s staggering maternal and newborn mortality rates, calling it a pressing crisis that demands immediate national attention. In a passionate address delivered today in Abuja, Tinubu decried the loss of countless lives to preventable causes, thrusting the issue into the spotlight as a top priority for Nigeria’s leadership.

“We cannot continue to accept this tragedy as normal,” Tinubu declared, emphasizing the human toll behind the statistics. “Every mother and child lost is a wound to our nation.” Nigeria remains one of the world’s deadliest places for childbirth, with the World Health Organization estimating that over 50,000 women and 250,000 newborns die annually from complications related to pregnancy and delivery—figures that dwarf those of many peer nations.

Her Excellency’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare system is under intense scrutiny, affected by underfunding, a shortage of medical personnel, and crumbling infrastructure, particularly in rural regions. She vowed to advocate for solutions, including increased investment in maternal care and better access to emergency services, though specifics of her plan remain forthcoming.

The First Lady’s statement has struck a chord with Nigerians, amplifying voices long raised in frustration. Protests in cities like Lagos and Kano this week, reported by local outlets, have seen women marching alongside men to demand better governance, with healthcare disparities a frequent rallying cry.

Experts say the crisis is rooted in deep systemic issues. “Over 60% of births in rural Nigeria happen without skilled attendants,” said Dr. Chidi Okonkwo, a public health specialist in Enugu. “Add poverty and poor roads, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.” Tinubu’s high-profile intervention could pressure the government to act, but skepticism lingers among those who’ve seen past promises falter.

 

 

 

 

 

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Celebrating Ramadan: Three Crowns Encourages Acts of Kindness with New Initiative

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Three Crowns, a prominent milk brand from FrieslandCampina WAMCO, has launched its 2025 Ramadan initiative, aptly named “Deeds Beyond Measure.” This initiative aims to inspire Muslims to embrace the essence of Ramadan through acts of kindness, community engagement, and personal growth.

The “Deeds Beyond Measure” campaign includes a series of weekly challenges that promote community benevolence. The initiative kicked off with participants memorizing and reciting Quranic verses, encouraging them to share 30-second videos of their recitations on social media. In addition, participants were urged to organize Iftar gatherings within their communities, fostering a sense of generosity and unity.

In a demonstration of its commitment to supporting Muslim communities during this holy month, Three Crowns implemented a comprehensive Iftar program across major cities in Nigeria, providing nutritious meals to the faithful. Locations included the Alausa Secretariat Central Mosque in Lagos, Bodija Central Mosque in Ibadan, and the National Mosque in Abuja. The program also extended to Mararaba Central Mosque in Abuja, Oja Oba Central Mosque in Ibadan, and Mowe Nasfat Central Mosque in Lagos, among others, reaching deeper into communities and offering nourishing meals in the spirit of Ramadan.

Chioma Igwe, Marketing Manager at Three Crowns, expressed, “As a brand that genuinely cares, we recognize the significance of this sacred period for our Muslim communities. Connecting with them during Iftar and sharing nourishing meals creates joyful moments of gratitude and wellness.”

To further promote balanced nutrition throughout Ramadan, Three Crowns collaborated with a renowned chef to produce a special “30 Days of Ramadan” recipe guide. This guide features delicious and nutritious meals crafted with Three Crowns Milk, assisting Muslim consumers in maintaining a healthy diet while fasting.

Building on the success of last year’s initiative, which focused on heart health and wellness, this year’s program broadens its scope to include community service and spiritual well-being. “Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving back,” stated Igwe. “Through our ‘Deeds Beyond Measure’ initiative, we aim to inspire acts of kindness that promote both physical and spiritual wellness.”

 

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Kano Women Protest Over Food Price Crisis

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By Prosper Mene, April 5, 2025

In a concerning display of frustration, hundreds of women flooded the streets of Kano today, banging empty pots and hoisting placards with messages like “We Can’t Feed Our Children” to protest the relentless surge in food prices that has pushed millions of Nigerian families to the brink. The demonstration, which began at dawn in the Fagge district, marked a crescendo in public anger over an inflation crisis that has seen the cost of staples like rice, yam, and beans double in the past year alone.

“We’re not begging for charity, we just want prices we can afford,” said Fatima Ibrahim, a 42-year-old trader and mother of five, her voice rising above the chants of the crowd. “How can I feed my family when a bag of rice costs more than I earn in a month?” Her words captured the desperation felt by many in Kano, Nigeria’s second-largest city, where women, often the backbone of household economies, bear the heaviest burden of the nation’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.

Organized by a coalition of grassroots women’s groups, including the Kano Mothers’ Network, the protest drew participants from across the city’s sprawling markets and low-income neighborhoods. Demonstrators marched toward the Government House, calling on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to press the federal government for urgent action—subsidies, price controls, or relief programs—to ease the strain. By midday, the crowd swelled to nearly a thousand, with some carrying wilted vegetables to symbolize their dwindling resources.

Nigeria’s inflation rate, hovering above 30% according to recent estimates, has been fueled by a mix of global supply chain disruptions, naira depreciation, and local factors like flooding that devastated farms in 2024. For women like Ibrahim, who rely on daily market sales to survive, the impact is immediate and devastating. “If I don’t sell, we don’t eat. But now, even selling isn’t enough,” she said.

The protest also spotlighted a gender divide in economic hardship. Women, who dominate informal trade and small-scale farming in northern Nigeria, have been hit hardest by rising costs, yet their voices are rarely heard in policy debates. “We manage the home, we feed the children, why are we ignored when the system fails?” asked Halima Sani, a protest organizer.

Governor Yusuf’s administration responded cautiously, with a spokesperson promising that officials were “actively engaging stakeholders” to address the crisis. However, no specific measures, such as the emergency food distribution requested by protesters—were outlined by the time the crowd dispersed under the late afternoon sun. The lack of immediate action drew sharp criticism from demonstrators, who vowed to return if their demands go unmet.

Today’s march in Kano joins a wave of similar protests led by women across Nigeria, from Lagos to Maiduguri, signaling a growing movement against economic policies that many say favor the elite over the struggling majority.

 

 

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