Women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, yet they are underrepresented in leadership. The Nigerian Parliament comprises 469 legislators, yet women hold only 20 seats, representing just 4% of legislative power. Appointed positions represent only a marginal improvement from elected seats. There are currently 9 women in the current cabinet, and 38 men.

Global evidence consistently demonstrates that countries with higher women’s representation experience stronger growth and more inclusive policies. Nigeria’s stalled political gender progress (ranked 180th out of 190 countries in the global index of women’s political representation) is costing the country measurable economic dividends.

“Countries with higher women’s representation experience stronger growth and more inclusive policies. Nigeria’s stalled political gender progress is costing the country measurable economic dividends.”

Why This Matters:

Under President Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015), when women held 31% of cabinet positions, Nigeria experienced one of its highest sustained GDP growth (6.1%), reaching its largest size in history ($574.2B).

Despite a national policy mandating 35% representation, Nigeria’s public institutions are becoming less representative over time, defying a global trend that has seen women’s parliamentary representation rise from near zero a century ago to 61% in Rwanda.

The State of Play

Women’s parliamentary representation has increased in other African countries (Rwanda, Namibia, Senegal) over recent decades, but Nigeria moves in the opposite direction.

The perception of women’s leadership in corporate and political leadership is divergent. Cultural resistance persists through traditional beliefs, positioning men as natural political leaders. According to the Reykjavík Index 2024, 64% of Nigerians are comfortable with women as corporate leaders. Only 50% feel the same about women in politics.

Political parties exclude women during primaries by design. Resource access remains limited through male-dominated political networks that control funding and endorsements. And poorly scheduled “late-night” meetings conflict with caregiving responsibilities.

Violence and harassment target women candidates through physical attacks and character assassination campaigns.

Even breakthroughs are still fighting for space:
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for “unruly behavior” following allegations of sexual harassment against the Senate President, and has been barred from resuming her role despite completing the suspension. Her campaigns have been marred by harassment, smear campaigns labelling her a sex worker, and physical intimidation.

By Anuoluwa Bukola & Farida Adamu