The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • FG vows swift rescue of abducted Kebbi schoolgirls, reaffirms duty to protect citizens

    FG vows swift rescue of abducted Kebbi schoolgirls, reaffirms duty to protect citizens

    The federal government has vowed to rescue abducted students of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

    Bandits attacked the school around 5 am on Monday, killing the Vice-Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducting 25 students.

    Reacting to the incident, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement, said security and intelligence agencies have been issued clear directives to locate, rescue, and safely return the students.

    Idris also assured that the perpetrators will be made to face justice, saying that the Federal Government will not relent until this objective is achieved.

    He said further that Nigeria will work with the ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure the country’s borders and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks

    READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    The Minister also expressed government concern and solidarity with the families of the students.

    The statement reads, “The Federal Government expresses deep concern and solidarity with the families of the female students abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. We share in their pain and are firmly committed to bringing the girls home safely.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reiterated that protecting every Nigerian, especially schoolchildren, remains a solemn responsibility of the State. The government condemns the reprehensible attack on innocent students and the killing of school officials who were carrying out their noble duty.

    “Our security and intelligence agencies have been issued clear directives to locate, rescue, and safely return the students, and to ensure that the perpetrators face justice. The Federal Government will not relent until this objective is achieved.

    “We assure Nigerians that strengthening internal security remains a top priority. The Federal Government is recalibrating the nation’s military, policing, and intelligence capabilities to more effectively prevent these attacks and respond with greater speed and precision whenever threats arise.

    “Nigeria is also reinforcing cooperation with regional partners through ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure our borders and disrupt terrorist and criminal networks. We urge the public to remain calm and confident.”

  • David Mark mourns Dan Agbese

    David Mark mourns Dan Agbese

    The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former President of the Senate, David Mark, has expressed deep grief over the death of foremost editor and media icon, Dan Agbese.

    Mark described the passing of Agbese as a personal loss, noting that he has lost “a brother and a pathfinder of enormous value.”

    According to Mark, “The Nigerian media fraternity has been thrown into deep mourning following the passing of one of its finest professionals, Editor Dan Agbese, whose transition marks the end of an era defined by integrity, fearlessness, and an unwavering commitment to the truth.”

    He further stated that, “Editor Agbese was more than a newsroom leader. He was a national asset whose pen shaped public discourse, elevated journalistic standards, and inspired generations of young reporters across the country.

    “His career was distinguished by excellence, depth, fairness, and courage, earning him a revered place among Nigeria’s most respected media icons.”

    READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    Mark noted that Agbese’s death is a monumental loss not only to journalism but to the entire nation.

    “At a time when truth and accountability are more vital than ever, Nigeria has lost a voice that consistently stood for justice, ethical reporting, and national unity,” he said.

    He extended heartfelt condolences to Agbese’s family, colleagues, friends, and the entire media community, praying that they find strength and comfort in the legacy of a man who lived purposefully, worked tirelessly, and left an indelible mark on the profession he cherished.

    He added, “As we honour the memory of Dan Agbese, we recommit ourselves to the values he upheld – professionalism, courage, and the pursuit of truth.

    “His legacy will continue to inspire and guide the industry for years to come. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

  • Fed govt to launch free national financial literacy training for over 100,000 youths

    Fed govt to launch free national financial literacy training for over 100,000 youths

    The federal government will on Tuesday 25, officially unveil a strategic programme for a free nationwide training of over 100,000 youth on financial literacy.

    The Federal Ministry of Youth Development will launch the programme in collaboration with Investonaire Academy. Tagged, the “Financial Literacy, Investment, and Wealth Creation programme.”

    The flagship initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with essential financial skills, investment knowledge, and digital competencies for sustainable wealth creation.

    In a statement on Monday, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Omolara Esan, confirmed that the launch of the programme on Tuesday, November 25, in Abuja would promote nationwide participation.

    She added that the launch would bring together senior government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, and youth representatives to explore innovative approaches for improving financial capability and strengthening the economic prospects of young Nigerians.

    Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, would serve as the chief host, while the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, would grace the event as the Special Guest of Honour.

    Also expected are representatives of key government institutions and private sector partners, including Dr Enefola Odiba, International Programme Director, Investonaire Academy, and Mr. Bashir Nurmohamed, Chief Executive Officer, Hantec Markets.

    READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    The statement reads, “A major highlight of the event will be the unveiling of a free national financial literacy training programme targeting over 100,000 youths annually. The programme will be powered by a state-of-the-art Learning Management System (LMS) designed to enhance financial intelligence, investment capacity, and entrepreneurial readiness among Nigerian youth.

    “Participants will also have access to funded trading accounts and additional incentives for outstanding performance.

    “In addition, the event will feature a high-level panel session comprising experts from the public sector, financial industry, and business community, who will discuss strategic pathways for expanding youth wealth creation and accelerating inclusive economic growth.

    “Nigerian youths interested in the programme are encouraged to register at www.investonaire.org.”

    According to her, the initiative reinforces the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to advancing financial inclusion, promoting digital learning, and empowering young Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration.

  • Remi Tinubu’s donation: Osun First Lady distributes 10,000 sanitary pads to school girls

    Remi Tinubu’s donation: Osun First Lady distributes 10,000 sanitary pads to school girls

    The Osun State First Lady, Chief Titilola Adeleke, on Monday distributed 10,000 sanitary pads to schoolgirls across the state as part of a donation from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and supporting adolescent girls.

    The distribution, which was held at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, had attendance of school girls across the state.

    Speaking at the event, the Osun First Lady disclosed that Senator Tinubu, under the renewed hope initiative, launched “Flow with confidence”, a vital menstrual health intervention designed to empower school girls by promoting knowledge, dignity and confidence through improved menstrual hygiene.

    She added that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve girls’ health, reduce school absenteeism, and empower young females with essential hygiene resources.

    According to her, “No girl has to miss school because of her inability to afford sanitary pads. It is unacceptable that our girls continue to face significant challenges during their menstrual cycle, especially those in rural communities who miss school days every month because they cannot afford sanitary pads.

    READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    “All states and federal capital territory will receive 10,000 packs each through the state First Lady and Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) coordinators. To support our girls in rural communities and those who are unable to afford sanitary pads. I will be handing over 10,000 packs of disposable sanitary pads to the First Lady of Osun State to distribute to 10,000 deserving girls in rural areas across the state. Each beneficiary will receive one year’s supply of the pads.”

    She urged the schoolgirls to make the most of the sanitary pad and warned against selling them.

    “The representatives from the school do not sell the pad. Make sure to give it to the girl child. Stay in school, study hard, support one another and never allow shame or stigma to take away your confidence. Use this opportunity to pursue your dreams boldly because you are the future of this nation, and I believe in you.”

  • Wike loyalists convene PDP NEC, BoT meetings as battle for party control intensifies

    Wike loyalists convene PDP NEC, BoT meetings as battle for party control intensifies

    In a major struggle for control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the faction led by Muhammed Abdulrahman and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, loyal to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has summoned meetings of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) for Tuesday.

    A top party source told The Nation that the primary agenda is to conduct a legal review aimed at nullifying last weekend’s gathering in Ibadan, which a group of PDP members claimed was a national convention.

    In an internal notice titled “Invitation to Emergency 103rd National Executive Committee (NEC) Meeting”, National Secretary Senator Anyanwu announced that the BoT will meet at 11 am at the NEC Hall, followed by the NEC at 2 pm.

    The development has placed PDP governors and other stakeholders opposed to the Wike/Anyanwu camp in a tight position.

    Attending the meetings could further legitimise the faction, which currently holds the legal advantage.

    Staying away, however, might allow the group to take strategic decisions that could undermine their interests.

    READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    Some governors and party leaders may also struggle to completely detach from the Wike camp. Supporters noted that figures like Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri still remember how Wike robustly backed him when a former Vice President nearly delivered victory to an APC candidate during his last election.

    Insiders revealed that the Wike faction has already compiled a list showing that more than half of the BoT members under former Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum have overstayed their constitutionally allowed five-year tenure. This, they argue, weakens the legitimacy of the rival camp.

    The faction is also confident of commanding support from over two-thirds of PDP state chapters, including the entire South-East, South-South, large parts of the North-Central, North-West, North-East, and sections of the South-West. In Osun, for instance, some party figures believe the ongoing feud with Wike could threaten the state governor’s re-election prospects if unresolved.

    The Kebbi State chapter has already demonstrated resistance to the rival faction by rejecting the nomination of former Minister of Special Duties Tanimu Kabiru Turaki as national chairman and boycotting the Ibadan convention where he was declared leader.

    Expectations that Turaki would visit the locked Wadata Plaza national headquarters in Abuja on Monday were dashed, as he did not appear during the period The Nation monitored the premises.

    A federal lawmaker aligned with the Wike faction said they remain open to reconciliation efforts by party elders, including former Senate President Bukola Saraki.

    However, he stressed that the group is also prepared to proceed with organising a legally grounded national convention if necessary.

    “Eminent stakeholders on our side explicitly made it clear that we are prepared to have reconciliation and share positions so that neither side would feel alienated, but if those people continue stumbling from one legal disaster into another, if necessary, we are prepared to go ahead and set in motion a machinery towards a proper convention.

    “Note that the last PDP NEC meeting directed that some steps should be taken in various zones, and the expectation was that another NEC would be convened before we have a national convention, but for reasons best known to them, some people opted to go for the Ibadan jamboree that cannot even stand on one leg,” he said.

    Increasingly confident about prospects of winning more members from the PDP, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) which commissioned its new national headquarters in Abuja on Monday is already making arrangements to benefit from PDP current situation.

    According to the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi who responded to a Whatsapp message from The Nation on Monday, ADC is out to mobilize Nigerians across all spectrums of the society who share in its ideals and plans for Nigeria’s future.

    “Of course, politics is a game of numbers; ADC will welcome anybody into the party, provided they are willing to subscribe to our philosophy and principles.

    “As we have said repeatedly, we are not out to just grab power but to reset politics in Nigeria as a vocation of service and sacrifice,” he stated.

  • BEA parents beg FG to save stranded scholars

    BEA parents beg FG to save stranded scholars

    …as hardship deepens, one student reportedly dead

    Parents and guardians of Nigerian students studying abroad under the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Scheme have issued a passionate plea to the Federal Government to urgently rescue their children, warning that more lives may be at risk following prolonged delays in the payment of stipends.

    The parents, under the Forum of Parents/Guardians of Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (FPGBEA), said BEA students in Algeria, Morocco, Hungary, Venezuela, Russia, China and other partner countries are enduring “unimaginable hardship” due to the government’s inability to fulfil its financial obligations for nearly three years.

    They made the appeal in Abuja during a press briefing and in a formal letter addressed to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.

    Speaking at the briefing on behalf of the parents, Mr. Abang Matthew said the BEA scheme has become a “punishment for being brilliant,” and that many scholars are now starving, homeless and mentally distressed.

    “These children of this nation left home with dreams, with hope, and with the promise that their government would support their education abroad,” he said. “But today, we are gathered here not in joy, not in celebration, but in deep sorrow and desperation. Because the Nigerian government has failed our children.”

    According to him, the failure to pay outstanding stipends has pushed students into extreme conditions that have directly resulted in loss of life. “Let the nation hear this clearly: we have lost one of our own,” he said.

    READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    He confirmed the death of Bashir Malami Gwandu, a Nigerian BEA scholar in Morocco, describing it as “a stain on our national conscience.” According to the parents, the student died because he could not access timely medical care due to the long-standing non-payment of his allowance.

    “His passing was preventable,” Matthew said. “He died because he could not access the medical care he urgently needed because the government that sent him abroad failed to send the stipend that would have kept him alive.”

    The forum said scholars have received no stipends at all in 2025, survived severe shortfalls in 2023 and 2024, and endured unilateral reductions of monthly payments from $500 to $220 last year.

    The parents said in 2023 alone, “students suffered a shortage of approximately two months of payments, plus four additional months in arrears that remain unsettled.” They added that many students are now hungry, sick, depressed and “living in foreign countries with rising inflation and strict immigration policies.”

    “They are simply asking for what the Government of Nigeria promised them, budgeted for, and publicly announced,” the parents stated.

    They said families in Nigeria are drowning in debt as they resort to borrowing, selling assets and taking loans to keep their children alive abroad. “This is not a scholarship anymore,” Matthew said. “It has become a sentence for being patriotic enough to accept a government-sponsored award.”

    The forum said all appeals to government agencies have gone unanswered. According to them, parents and students have written letters, sent emails, visited ministries, appealed through NIDCOM, contacted the Ministry of Education and the Federal Scholarship Board (FSB), reached out to the Ministry of Finance, and “pleaded with the National Assembly,” with no positive response.

    They presented five key demands to the Federal Government: the immediate payment of all outstanding arrears totalling 16 months; settlement of an additional eight months of accumulated shortfalls; restoration of the original $500 monthly stipend; creation of a transparent and reliable stipend payment system; provision of accommodation allowances for students in countries where host governments do not cover housing; and a functional welfare monitoring mechanism to prevent further tragedies.

    In their letter to Mr. Wale Edun, signed by the Chairman of the forum, Prince Ponfa A. Wuyep, and the Secretary, Alhaji Zakari Mohammed, the parents warned that the hardship caused by the non-payment is “almost at the point of embarrassment to the scholars, their parents/guardians and to a very large extent to our country too.”

    They said the students, who are barred from taking up jobs abroad, now face “constant threats of eviction” and can no longer afford basic necessities. “The human cost of this neglect is incalculable,” the letter read.

    The parents recounted the death of Malami, describing it as the most tragic evidence of the consequences of the prolonged stipend crisis. “He was unable to raise the necessary funds for timely and proper medical treatment due to the non-payment of his allowance,” they wrote.

    They appealed to the minister to “use your considerable influence to prioritize and authorize the immediate release of the cumulative outstanding funds to the Federal Ministry of Education for onward remittance to the beneficiaries,” stressing that the action is vital to prevent further tragedies and secure the academic future of the scholars.

    At the briefing, Matthew made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, and the National Assembly to act urgently. “We appeal to your conscience. We appeal to your humanity. We appeal to your sense of duty and justice,” he said. “Let no parent stand over the coffin of a child who left Nigeria with dreams, only to return because the system failed him.”

    He called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, religious leaders and the media to support the appeal. “This is not politics. This is not an attack on the government. This is a cry for life. A cry for justice. A cry for accountability.”

    The parents said they still hold hope that government intervention will avert further disaster. “May this press briefing be the turning point,” Matthew said. “May the federal government hear us. And may our children live, study, and return home to us safely as the leaders and global ambassadors they were meant to be.”

  • Rivers safe, peaceful, says Fubara

    Rivers safe, peaceful, says Fubara

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has condemned what he described as a deliberate campaign of portraying Rivers as unsafe.

    The governor insisted that the state is safe, peaceful and fully open for business, tourism, and major events.

    Fubara spoke at the grand finale of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition Chief Ikenna Okafor 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship in Port Harcourt.

    He said the large turnout of visitors from across the African continent was clear evidence that the negative narratives were engineered, exaggerated, and politically motivated.

    He noted, “I can tell you the truth: more than half of the things you read are not true. Worse things have happened in other states, but because they manage their media, people don’t read about them. But in our case, just to run us down and make us look like the devil with invisible horns, they say anything to portray us in a bad light.”

    The governor argued that some enemies of Rivers had “weaponised” the state’s challenges to distort public perception for their own advantage.

    While acknowledging that earlier political tensions caused about six months of disruption, Fubara emphasised that peace had since returned, allowing security agencies to function more effectively.

    READ ALSO; Tuggar blames structural weakness for unconstitutional changes of govt, others

    Fubara in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Nelson Chukwudi, praised the coordinated efforts of the joint security team, describing their performance as “wonderful” since his administration resumed full activity.

    Highlighting the normalcy experienced by guests during the tournament, the governor noted that visitors moved freely, socialised, and enjoyed the city without any incident.

    He said, “Let me thank everyone who has come into Rivers State to participate in this competition. Your presence signifies only one thing: that Rivers State is safe, contrary to what we hear, what we read, and how our state is being presented in the media.”

    Fubara pledged continued government support for the competition, including the yet-to-be-revived Governor’s Cup tournament, and promised additional assistance to enhance the golf club’s facilities.

    He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to nurturing events that would attract national and international participation.

    “Our mission is simple. To change our story, protect our state, and remind everyone that Rivers State is ours and it is safe”, he said.

    In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Emekah said the prevailing atmosphere of peace motivated them to hold the tournament in Rivers.

    He expressed appreciation to the governor for attending the event and for offering inspiring words that assured continued state support for future editions.

    Earlier, chief celebrant of the Python Golf Club’s 6th Edition CIO 2025 Pro-Amateur Golf Championship, Chief Ikenna Okafor, expressed delight at having a sitting governor visit the club premises during the competition, something, he said, had not happened in 15 years.

    He promised to revive the Governor’s Cup tournament and ensure more championships were held to bring visitors and tourists to the state every year, soliciting government support for the game.

    He added that the tournament attracted participants from eight African countries, and players from 36 golf clubs across Nigeria, underscoring its significance and the confidence they have in Rivers State.

    Highlights of the event included the presentation of prizes to winners, cutting of the birthday cake of Chief Ikenna Okafor and a toast to better tournaments ahead.

  • Renewed Hope ambassadors target 10 million volunteers to promote Tinubu’s economic reforms

    Renewed Hope ambassadors target 10 million volunteers to promote Tinubu’s economic reforms

    The Renewed Hope Ambassadors Group, which currently boasts 5.3 million members, said it is working to expand its volunteer base to 10 million in a nationwide effort to sensitise citizens about the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu.

    National Convener of the group, Dr Oke Idawene, said many Nigerians remain unaware of the positive impacts of the president’s policies, despite what he described as their growing benefits to national development.

    Speaking at the Southwest Integrity Group Summit, themed Transforming Nigeria’s Economy, Policies, Progress and The Path Ahead for Continuity, Idawene said President Tinubu needs public collaboration — not criticism — including from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

    “We urge Nigerians to support good governance by backing President Bola Tinubu. We currently have 5.3 million members nationwide, and we are consolidating to increase the number to 10 million so that the election can be a walkover for our president,” he said.

    READ ALSO; NELFUND’s disbursements hit N116b for students’ fees, upkeeps

    “Anyone who dislikes Tinubu is an enemy of Nigeria. Those of us who share the same mindset are coming together to promote his good deeds. We launched this consultation in the Southwest to show that his policies have a human face. Economically and security-wise, he is doing well. I want to call on everyone, including Donald Trump, that we need collaboration, not castigation.”

    Deputy National Chairman Omole Oluwasegun added that Nigeria’s challenges have been clearly identified by President Tinubu, insisting that “the solution lies with him,” and urging citizens to give full support to his administration.

    The Osun State Coordinator of the group, Olamilekan Mustapha, said the sensitisation campaign will also help strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

  • FG raises red flag as sanitation failures cost Nigeria N455bn annually

    FG raises red flag as sanitation failures cost Nigeria N455bn annually

    ‎The federal government on Monday raised an alarm over the massive economic losses linked to poor sanitation, warning that Nigeria loses an estimated N455 billion annually due to open defecation, water contamination and sanitation-related diseases.

    ‎Vice President Kashim Shettima, who declared open the maiden National Sanitation Conference in Abuja, said the country can no longer afford complacency as sanitation failures continue to threaten public health, undermine productivity and damage Nigeria’s global reputation.

    ‎“Sanitation is not just infrastructure — it is dignity, productivity, and the future of our children. The human and economic costs are staggering. The time for half measures is over,” Shettima said.

    ‎Delivering a keynote address at the conference themed “Accelerating Sanitation for All, Shettima said that despite federal efforts, millions of Nigerians still lack access to safely managed sanitation facilities, while open defecation remains widespread.

    ‎He cited repeated outbreaks of cholera, diarrhoea and other preventable diseases as indicators of a system in urgent need of overhaul.

    ‎The Vice President highlighted progress under government programmes such as PEWASH, SURWASH, the National Action Plan for WASH, as well as SchoolWASH and HealthWASH.

    READ ALSO; NELFUND’s disbursements hit N116b for students’ fees, upkeeps

    ‎The Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, he noted, has helped deliver 158 Open Defecation Free (ODF) LGAs and statewide ODF status in Jigawa and recently Katsina.

    ‎He commended Katsina for its milestone, urging other states to “join the race” toward a nationwide ODF status.

    ‎Shettima also pointed to the enormous economic potential of the sanitation sector, valued at $14.23 billion by 2030, covering the toilet economy, circular sanitation, smart sanitation technologies and menstrual hygiene markets. He said only a fraction of this potential is being tapped.

    ‎He called for innovation, stronger private sector participation, and an enabling environment that supports sustainable sanitation businesses, especially in rural and peri-urban communities.

    ‎Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving SDG 6.2 by 2030, Shettima said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s creation of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation signals the administration’s determination to make WASH a national priority.

    ‎“To accelerate sanitation for all, we must act together and act faster, calling on states, local governments, the private sector, civil society and communities to uphold their roles in ensuring a clean and healthy nation,” he said.

    ‎Earlier, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev, described the conference as a historic moment for Nigeria’s sanitation agenda. 

    He said the two-day event brings together policymakers, development partners, researchers and industry players to review progress on the Clean Nigeria campaign and strengthen the push toward universal sanitation coverage.

    ‎Utsev noted that sanitation is a “cornerstone of national prosperity” and urged participants to use the platform to forge partnerships, share best practices and produce concrete recommendations for implementation.

    ‎He praised President Tinubu for his support of the WASH sector and commended Vice President Shettima’s leadership as chair of the Clean Nigeria Campaign Steering Committee.

    ‎The maiden National Sanitation Conference continues in Abuja, with outcomes expected to guide upcoming federal and state sanitation interventions.

  • Reps move to boost women’s recruitment as Abbas pushes amendment to Police Act

    Reps move to boost women’s recruitment as Abbas pushes amendment to Police Act

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has said the parliament is committed to tackling the barriers limiting women from joining the Nigeria Police Force.

    Speaking on Monday at a public hearing on a bill to amend the Police Act, Tajudeen said the proposed amendments—championed by the House and the Ministry of Police Affairs—seek to increase the recruitment quota for women to 15 percent.

    He added that this step would strengthen justice delivery and improve the effectiveness of policing nationwide.

    According to him, the bill mandates the Nigeria Police Force to establish and implement a gender-responsive compliance programme covering recruitment, training, posting, discipline and career progression.

    The legislation also provides for the creation of a monitoring unit to keep accurate records of the integration process and ensure strict adherence to the new provisions.

    Tajudeen noted that the bill reflects “justice, fairness, and the recognition that effective policing must draw strength from diversity,” stressing that the police have operated for too long with disproportionately low female representation, especially within its leadership structure.

    “This has not only limited opportunities for many capable women, but also deprived the institution of the unique perspective and empathy that female officers bring to law enforcement and community relations.

    “By increasing the participation of women in the Force, we are not merely advancing the cause of gender equality; we are enhancing professionalism, deepening accountability, and improving the overall quality of policing in Nigeria.

    “Research consistently shows that police institutions with stronger female representation record fewer incidents of excessive force, handle cases of gender-based violence more effectively, and generally enjoy greater public trust.

    “This amendment therefore aligns with the spirit and intent of our Constitution, as well as Nigeria’s international commitments under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5, which emphasises gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    READ ALSO; NELFUND’s disbursements hit N116b for students’ fees, upkeeps

    “It also reinforces our constitutional mandate as legislators to ensure that public institutions embody the principles of equity, justice, and good governance.

    “However, it is obvious that legislation alone will not lead to the achievement of these goals, and a way must be found to enforce implementation and sustained monitoring. To this end, this Bill provides for the establishment of a dedicated unit within the Nigeria Police Force to maintain records and assess compliance with gender-responsive policies.

    “This will ensure that our good intentions are translated into measurable action and tangible results.

    “Our goal is a Police Force that mirrors the diversity of our nation, upholds fairness, and delivers justice without bias or discrimination”.

     Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Makki Yalleman, said the proposed amendment seeks to increase the recruitment of women into the force by at least 15%, while providing a gender-friendly ambience for women to thrive in the system.

    Yalleman said the benefits of having more women in the force will enhance the effectiveness of the law enforcement agencies in addressing crimes that affect women disproportionately, such as domestic violence and sexual assault, saying women officers are often better equipped to handle these sensitive cases, providing a safe and supportive environment for victims to report incidents.

     He said that increasing the number of women in the Police Force will help promote a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the system, thus helping to set an example for young ladies, showing them that they too can pursue careers in law enforcement and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities in particular and the nation in general.

    He said, “We are aware that certain societal and cultural biases act as barriers to entry into the Force for women. This can be corrected through targeted outreach programs and mentorship initiatives that will portray the Force in a good light. 

    “This amendment will prioritise the recruitment, promotion and creation of a friendly working environment for women. It will provide training schemes for women that will equip them with the requisite skills and knowledge they need to excel in the job.

    Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr. Anyma Ogbonnaya Nlia said the ministry was in full support of the bill as it will help address a lot of issues that affect women recruitment into the police force.

    Represented by an officer from the legal unit of the Ministry, Okorie Kalu, the Permanent Secretary said the proposed law will require the Nigerian police force to provide and maintain, genuine responsive compliance program in the recruitment, training, marital status, posting, and discipline of police officers.

    He said the law will also ensure the establishment of a unit to monitor and maintain the records of the gender response compliance program and for related matters. Number two, adding that the amendment of section 9, subsection 1F of the Police Act 2020, by inserting provisions that will address gender historical gaps and discriminatory provisions affecting women in the police force, is a step in revolutionising the Nigerian police force, against which the ministry has no objection to the amendment.

    He said, “The ministry has begun the process of making regulations to address gender issues in the police force, particularly in the aspect of elimination of gender based enlistment criteria, such as restrictions on marital status and pregnancy, removal of discriminatory duties assignment, duty assignment and dress code limitations.

    “Integration of the NPF gender policy to ensure routine compliance. Introduction of maternity leave, religious accommodation, and equitable posting policies. Establishment of grievance and complaint mechanisms with oversight. Reorganisation of the IGP’s office to include human rights, internal affairs, and Women and Children’s Protection Centre.

    “The amendment of the principal act to include gender responsive provisions will be a lifeline for the intended regulations to flow and be implemented seamlessly”.