By Martins Abochol
Coalition – Nov. 27, 2025
Nigeria’s leading women leadership organisations have renewed calls for comprehensive labour reforms and improved gender representation in governance following a meeting with the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
The coalition, comprising the Women in Leadership Advancement Network, Women in Management, Business and Public Service, Women in Successful Careers, alongside representatives of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, presented a unified agenda focused on modern parental leave policies, safer workplaces and increased women’s participation in leadership across public and private sectors.
Addressing the delegation, Onyejeocha described gender-inclusive leadership as a strategic necessity for national development, stressing that sustainable socio-economic growth cannot be achieved when women are underrepresented in decision-making spaces.
The women leaders proposed a national minimum of 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave and 14 days paid paternity leave, warning that the existing 12-week half-pay maternity leave policy contributes to women exiting the workforce. They noted that inadequate care infrastructure results in economic losses, as the country fails to reap the full benefits of investment in women’s education.
The minister assured the coalition that the Federal Government’s ongoing review of labour laws would address policy gaps limiting women’s participation. She added that the Ministry of Labour and Employment is strengthening its labour inspectorate system to ensure compliance with equal pay regulations, maternity protections and workplace safety standards.
The group also drew attention to Nigeria’s undervalued care economy, estimating that women account for about 114 billion dollars in unpaid care work annually. They advocated childcare subsidies, professionalisation of childcare services and stronger safeguards against pregnancy-related discrimination in workplaces.
Speaking during the engagement, Director of Gender Affairs at the NGF, Hauwa Haliru, disclosed that nine states have already adopted six months paid maternity leave, adding that efforts are ongoing to expand the policy to at least 20 states by 2027.
On governance, Onyejeocha reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving a minimum of 35 per cent female representation at all levels of government, describing it as critical to inclusive and balanced leadership.
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The coalition also appealed for sustained media partnership to amplify women’s contributions and policy issues, noting that increased visibility would strengthen public understanding and support for gender-balanced leadership in Nigeria.
