The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is delighted to announce and celebrate the successful re-election of Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, Nigeria’s nominee, to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) for a second four-year term, following a keenly contested election held at the United Nations Headquarters on 26 June 2026.
In an election involving 123 Member States, Nigeria emerged victorious over candidates from eight other countries, reaffirming the confidence of the international community in our nation’s leadership and commitment to advancing the rights of women and girls. This resounding victory is not only a personal and professional achievement for Mrs. Eghobamien-Mshelia but also a significant diplomatic milestone for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, further strengthening our credibility, influence, and leadership in promoting gender equality on the global stage.
This achievement builds on the historic milestone recorded during the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, where Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, convened a High-Level Event that led to the signing of commitments by Edo, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kwara, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, and Zamfara States, with several other States indicating their readiness to join in accelerating the domestication and implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The significance of this landmark commitment is that it brings CEDAW closer to the people by ensuring that State Governments translate international obligations into practical actions through stronger protection for women and girls, expanded access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, and greater accountability in governance. This marks a decisive shift from global commitments to measurable action at the grassroots and reinforces Nigeria’s credibility as a nation committed to delivering tangible outcomes for women and girls.
The re-election of Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, therefore, represents far more than an individual or electoral success; it is a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in shaping the global gender equality agenda. As the United Nations body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the CEDAW Committee plays a pivotal role in advancing women’s rights and promoting accountability among State Parties. Nigeria’s continued presence on this prestigious body ensures that our country remains an active contributor to the development of global standards on gender equality while amplifying Africa’s voice in international human rights discourse.
This victory is the product of a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, drawing strength from coordinated action across Ministries, Departments and Agencies, State Governments, the National Assembly, development partners, civil society organisations, technical experts, traditional and religious institutions, and communities. It reinforces our shared commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian woman and girl enjoys equality, dignity, protection, and justice, while positioning Nigeria as a credible bridge between global commitments and national implementation.
This achievement is the culmination of months of rigorous consultations, strategic engagements, diplomatic outreach, bilateral and multilateral dialogues, and sustained lobbying undertaken at both national and international levels. Under the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, and other key stakeholders, every effort was made to present Nigeria’s candidature with excellence, credibility, and strategic clarity. The outcome reflects the strength of coordinated government action and Nigeria’s growing effectiveness in gender diplomacy.
The Federal Government, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has placed women, children, families, and vulnerable populations at the heart of National Development under the Renewed Hope Agenda. This commitment has culminated in the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development in Nigeria, reflecting the Administration’s resolve to strengthen families, promote social inclusion, protect the vulnerable, and advance gender-responsive governance as a foundation for sustainable national development. This bold policy direction has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s global credibility and created the enabling environment for landmark achievements such as this historic victory.
The Ministry also pays glowing tribute to Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) continues to transform the lives of women across nano, micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises through targeted empowerment, skills acquisition, access to productive resources, and livelihood support interventions. Her initiatives have reached women across the country without distinction of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, or creed, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to inclusive development and economic empowerment. Her steadfast advocacy for women, children, families, and vulnerable populations has complemented the Federal Government’s social development agenda and further strengthened Nigeria’s reputation as a nation committed to translating policy into meaningful impact.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development extends its profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, for her strategic diplomatic leadership, coordination, and steadfast support throughout the electoral process. We equally commend Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator (Dr.) Jimoh Ibrahim, and the entire team of the Permanent Mission for their diligent lobbying, negotiations, and sustained engagement within the United Nations system, which were instrumental in securing this significant diplomatic achievement. Their combined efforts reflect the strength, professionalism, and effectiveness of Nigeria’s diplomatic architecture and its growing influence in advancing global gender equality.
We also commend the distinguished members of the inter-ministerial and technical teams whose tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured the success of this candidature. Their professionalism, meticulous planning, technical expertise, strategic coordination, and unwavering dedication exemplify the highest ideals of public service. This victory belongs equally to every individual and institution that worked selflessly to project Nigeria’s interests with excellence before the international community.
I warmly congratulate Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia on this well-deserved re-election. As she embarks on another second term, she carries not only the confidence of the international community but also the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerian women and girls. We are confident that she will continue to serve with distinction, integrity, independence, and professionalism, remaining a worthy ambassador of Nigeria while advancing the principles of CEDAW with fairness and excellence.
The Federal Government reaffirms that international recognition must translate into measurable domestic impact. This commitment is anchored on a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, recognising that advancing the rights and opportunities of women and girls is a shared national responsibility. Accordingly, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will continue to strengthen collaboration with all stakeholders to deepen the implementation of CEDAW through legal reforms, policy coherence, women’s economic empowerment, stronger protection systems, institutional accountability, and sustained advocacy. Our objective remains clear: to ensure that equality is not only celebrated in international fora but is fully reflected in the lived realities of every Nigerian woman and girl.
This victory belongs to every Nigerian. It demonstrates what can be achieved when visionary leadership, strategic diplomacy, technical excellence, and national unity are brought together in pursuit of a common purpose. It is a victory for Nigerian women and girls, for our institutions, and for our nation. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we renew our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria where every woman and girl can realise her full potential. Together, we will continue to uphold our international obligations, strengthen accountability, and ensure that Nigeria remains a respected global champion for gender equality, social development, and the protection of the rights and dignity of women and girls.
Signed
Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI
Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development
Federal Republic of Nigeria
