Women seek 35% female ministerial appointments
The Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to deliver on his campaign action plan of having at least 35 percent women on his ministerial list.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Mufuliat Fijabi, made the call during a Zoom media conference organised by Women Radio 91.7.
Fijabi expressed concerns over the President’s recent appointment of special assistants and personal aides, where only 25 percent and 15 percent ofwomen were appointed, respectively.
According to her, other African countries have made considerable progress in women's representation.
She, however, called on the new administration to uphold the 35 percent affirmative action rate.
Also, Amina Agbaje, National President of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), explained the need for gender equity and transparency in the president’s list.
Agbaje urged women's groups to send a delegation to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, to lobby for the consideration of the 35 percent quota system for women on the ministerial list.
Ladi Bala, National President of theNigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), emphasised that media engagements were critical to keeping the advocacy for 35 percent affirmative action for women garnering the attention it deserves.
Adewummi Onanuga, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, expressed her confidence in Tinubu to deliver on his promises.
Similarly, Jamila Babuba, APC Professional Women North East Coordinator, expressed assurance that the president would appoint at least 35 percent women in his cabinet.
Chikas Kumle, a social justice advocate, highlighted the critical role of women in an inclusive government, urging President Tinubu to include at least 35 percent of APC women on his ministerial list.
Zainab Abdulrasheed, Programmes Officer, Women’s Rights Advancement & Protection Alternative (WRAPA Nigeria), highlighted the importance of inclusive advocacy on behalf of marginalised and excluded voices in implementing the 35 percent affirmative action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Saka Azimazi, former Deputy Director, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), called for grassroots advocacy and male support to achieve affirmative action for women at all levels of government.
Enebi Opaluwa, Senior Research and Policy Analyst at BudgIT, decried the absence of women in policy-making processes in Nigeria.
The APC campaign action plan for a better Nigeria gave assurances to increase women’s participation to at least 35 percent in all government positions.
No government since the Fourth Republic has achieved the appointment of 35 percent women as ministers.
