The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally inaugurated the National Committee on the Implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), marking a decisive step toward strengthening gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable national development.
Performing the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon.Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the event as “not just a procedural milestone, but a decisive step in deepening Nigeria’s commitment to gender justice, equity, and inclusive national development.”
She emphasized that the inauguration aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development.
According to her, “sustainable development begins at the family level,” adding that “the wellbeing of families is inextricably linked to the empowerment, protection, and full participation of women and girls.”
The Minister maintained that while Nigeria has consistently demonstrated commitment as a State Party to CEDAW, the country must now move “beyond declarations to deliberate, structured, and measurable action.”
She noted that the newly inaugurated Committee will serve as a catalytic body tasked with coordinating national efforts, strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration, and ensuring effective domestication, implementation, and monitoring of CEDAW provisions across all levels of governance.
The Minister announced Nigeria’s leading efforts in the global CEDAW Cities Initiative, which has already seen seven pilot states including : FCT-Abuja, Nasarawa, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Imo signed on.
“This sub-national approach represents a transformative shift—bringing global commitments closer to the grassroots, where the realities of women and girls are most deeply experienced,” she said.
She further assured that the initiative remains open and will expand as more states express interest.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to institutional strengthening.
The Minister disclosed that the Committee’s Secretariat will be domiciled within the Department of Women Development, while the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry will serve as Chair to ensure administrative continuity and coordination.
Commending Nigeria’s representative to the UN CEDAW Committee, Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, the Minister praised her “exemplary service and successful completion of her first tenure,” adding that “Nigeria stands to gain immensely from her re-election, as it will consolidate our progress and reinforce our leadership role.”
She concluded with a charge to members of the Committee: “Your appointment is both an honour and a responsibility… a call to serve with integrity, diligence, and a deep sense of national purpose.
Earlier in a welcome remarks delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Asanye Nko Esuabana, the Director of Women Development Department, Mrs. Blessing Anunuike, described the inauguration as “a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote, protect, and advance the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.”
She noted that “the establishment of this committee underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to the full domestication, implementation, and monitoring of CEDAW provisions in line with our national development priorities and international obligations.”
She stated that “the realization of CEDAW objectives depends largely on coordinated actions, strong institutional mechanisms, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.” adding that the Committee provides “a structured platform to strengthen inter-ministerial collaboration, enhance stakeholder engagement, and ensure effective tracking of progress.”
The Permanent Secretary charged members to rise to the occasion, even as she expressed confidence that the calibre of members appointed possess the expertise, experience, and passion required to deliver on this important mandate.”
In her goodwill message, Nigeria’s representative on the UN CEDAW Committee, Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, highlighted the strategic importance of the Committee in strengthening Nigeria’s reporting and implementation framework.
“With this inauguration, Nigeria is putting together a team that will enable us to properly unpack what it means to be a State Party to the Convention and ensure that all our reports are submitted in timely. She acknowledged candidly that “Nigeria is currently behind in its reporting obligations.
Mrs. Eghobamien-Mshelia further outlined key focus areas for the Committee, including flagship projects under the CEDAW Cities Initiative. According to her, “these projects will bring the Convention closer to women at the grassroots level, ensuring protection, promoting inclusive growth, and enabling women’s participation in the evolving digital economy.”
She concluded by emphasizing that true national growth must go beyond economic indices: “Growth should not just be measured by GDP, but by the participation, inclusion, and empowerment of women—so that families can thrive and society can grow better.”
Ahmed Lawan Danbazau Mnipr
Head, Information, Press and Public Relations Dept.
FMWASD.
