Gender equality is not a concession; it is a sound investment in the strength of our nation. When women and girls enjoy equal access to education, finance, leadership, and security, families are more stable, communities are more resilient, and the economy grows.
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and UN Women, has inaugurated the Nigeria Gender Profile and Roadmap to Equality 2030.
The roadmap was designed to address gender disparities by presenting an honest picture of the current state of gender equality in Nigeria and
While disclosing that the document provides an evidence-based assessment of gender equality and a framework for achieving national targets by 2030, the Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim stressed that
Gender equality is a strategic investment in national development, emphasising that advancing equal opportunities for women and girls would strengthen families, communities, and the economy.
Iman Suleiman Ibrahim
According to the minister, the roadmap, developed with support from AfDB and UN Women, offers a comprehensive assessment of gender disparities in Nigeria and outlines priority actions for addressing them.
Acting Vice President, Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, and Director-General for Nigeria of the African Development Bank Group, Abdul Kamara, described gender equality as an economic imperative when he said
He said Gender equality is not a social objective but an economic imperative, cautioning that Nigeria cannot afford to leave half of its population behind.
Kamara added that persistent inequalities in education, finance, employment, and leadership continued to stagnate inclusive growth and sustainable development, limiting the country’s ability to maximise its economic potential.
He posited that closing gender gaps could unlock between two and three per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product annually, creating significant opportunities for economic transformation. And empowering women as workers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators would make Nigeria more prosperous, resilient, and competitive in an increasingly globalised economy.
The Director General for the African Development Bank in Nigeria said the roadmap provides policymakers, investors, and development partners with a practical framework for advancing inclusive and sustainable development, emphasising that implementation remains the critical challenge.
This is not marginal. This is transformational. The challenge is no longer about commitments. It is about implementation at scale. Gender equality is not only the right thing to do; it is the smartest investment Nigeria can make for its future.
Abdul Kamara
Also speaking at the event, the UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, represented by Mr Dama Ghimire, lamented how persistent inequalities continue to limit Nigeria’s development potential and economic progress.
She revealed that Nigerian women remain concentrated in lower-income and informal sectors despite their significant contributions to economic activities, while representation in political leadership and decision-making positions remains low.
Gender equality is not a standalone agenda. It is the thread that runs across economic transformation, democratic governance, human capital development, climate resilience, and sustainable peace. When gender equality advances, development accelerates
Beatrice Eyong
Beatrice Eyong said the roadmap reflects a shared responsibility extending beyond the Ministry of Women Affairs to governments, development institutions, the private sector, and civil society organisations.
She said the inauguration marks the beginning of a new phase that is focused on implementation, accountability, and measurable results towards achieving gender equality commitments and development objectives.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the roadmap is expected to guide implementation of gender equality commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Plan 2026–2030.
Sheroes Editorial
