The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has signed an agreement to provide financing for low-cost housing in Cote d’Ivoire.
Prime Minister of Cote d’Ivoire, Robert Beugre Mambe
This is done by granting a loan of $27 million.
The financing agreement between the IFC and the Moroccan real estate group, Addoha, was signed on Monday, March 10, 2025, in Abidjan, the largest city of Cote d’Ivoire.
This happened in the presence of Prime Minister, Robert Beugre Mambe.
The loan is expected to enable the real estate group to accelerate implementation of its project, which aimed to build nearly 5,600 affordable housing units in Abidjan.
In June 2023, the government of the West African country and the IFC signed a consultancy programme to mobilise private sector investments for construction of quality social and economic housing.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the agreement is part of the Presidential Programme for the Construction of Social and Economic Housing.
“It will help consolidate the government’s efforts, which have already resulted in the completion of over 40,000 housing units since the programmes launch in 2012.
“Several construction sites have already been completed or are underway in the Abidjan metropolitan area, and the government aims to build 150,000 housing units by 2030.”
The 2024 State of the Nation Report indicates that life expectancy in Nigeria, though improving, remains below the global average at 54.6 years.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare
According to the report, made available on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Abuja, life expectancy for women is 54.9 years, while for men it is 54.3 years, reflecting ongoing health challenges.
Globally, life expectancy stands at 73.3 years for both genders, with women projected to live up to 76 years and men 70.7 years.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines life expectancy as “the average number of years that a newborn could expect to live if they were to pass through life exposed to the sex and age-specific death rates prevailing at the time of their birth, for a specific year, in a given country, territory, or geographical area.”
The State of the Nation report noted that the slight disparity between genders was consistent with global trends, where women generally live longer than men.
However, Nigeria’s life expectancy remained below the global average, underscoring the need for continued investment in healthcare and public health initiatives.
“Communicable diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis contribute significantly to the disease burden, negatively impacting overall health outcomes and life expectancy,” the report noted.
Citing the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS 2023/2024), it highlighted that the fertility rate, at 4.8 children per woman, though gradually declining, remained among the highest in the world.
It said the rate was higher in rural areas (5.6) compared to urban areas (3.9), reflecting disparities in access to education and healthcare.
The report said urbanisation continued at a rapid pace, with 54 per cent of Nigerians now living in urban areas, driven by the search for better economic opportunities and access to essential services.
However, it said the shift had brought challenges, including infrastructure strain, pollution, and the growth of informal settlements, particularly in rapidly expanding cities like Abuja.
Economically, it said Nigeria had seen notable growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which reached N60.9 trillion with a growth rate of 3.19 per cent in 2024, up from 2.98 per cent in 2023.
In spite of this growth, it said the benefits remained unevenly distributed, with 63 per cent of Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty and facing challenges in health, education, and living standards.
It said gender and age disparities persisted, with women, particularly in rural areas, facing higher poverty levels, limited access to healthcare, and lower educational attainment compared to men.
The report also noted that the unemployment rate among young people aged 15 to 24 years was high, at 8.4 per cent, with young women being disproportionately affected.
“These socioeconomic disparities have far-reaching implications for health outcomes, as poverty and unemployment are closely linked to poor health and limited access to healthcare services,” the report emphasised.
The report, a publication of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Nigeria’s health status.
It draws from a wide range of sources to offer insights into public health, health policies, and social determinants of health.
It seeks to guide policymakers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders in their efforts to improve health outcomes for all Nigerians.
Some civil society organisations (CSOs) on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, said that tackling the menace of illegal mining required strong political will to hold perpetrators accountable.
Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development
The stakeholders, who said this in separate interviews in Abuja, noted that it was not enough to procure satellite gadgets to combat the menace, stressing the need for the government to be intentional in addressing the problem.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC), at its third meeting of the year, approved the procurement a of N2.5 billion satellite gadget to combat illegal mining in the country.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, had explained that the technology was an integrated solution framework designed to address unlicenced, unregulated, and underreported mining activities.
Alake had also disclosed that the satellite gadget would be installed at a strategic location in the country, enabling the government to have a visual overview and real-time monitoring of ongoing mining operations.
He added that deploying the technology would help curb activities responsible for revenue leakages, illegal operations, and the unauthorised extraction and exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
The Executive Director, Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Philip Jakpor, urged the Federal Government to ensure careful selection of those responsible for handling information extracted from the satellite during surveillance.
According to him, in as much as we need technology and the initiative is good on the surface, he would still view it with caution.
”We should be very precise on what we need satellite technologies for and who manages such information we get from the satellite.
”We may need satellite technologies to pin point where natural resources are found and their depth in the earth and what’s going on there.
”But it is still people in government who manage information that will be obtained from the satellite that may be involved in protecting illegal mining operations.
“That’s why we hear that big people are behind the illegal mining activities but never get mentioned or even arrested.”
Jakpor added that while the technology was beneficial, political will was key to effectively combating illegal mining, and preventing a situation where some illegal operations are protected and others exposed.
Similarly, Dr Abdullahi Jabi, Chairman, North Central Zone, Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy, and Civil Society of Nigeria, emphasised the need for stronger advocacy against illegal mining nationwide through increased media engagement.
Jabi noted that the move was crucial to raise public awareness about the consequences of illegal mining and to ensure strict penalties for offenders.
”By the time this is implemented (strict punishment for illegal miners), some of them will be afraid of going in to it. Application of technology is a good idea, but it is not going to achieve the desired result.
”This is because, they can sight the installation and location and destroy it, but if it is human influence, it will go very far with equipment particularly by the security agencies.
”So let’s see how far they can go with the technology application and whether it can achieve the desired results.
”I have my reservations that the best way is to get human influence and support the security agencies to do their work,” he said.
According to him, traditional rulers and community leaders should be held accountable for any illegal mining occurring in their domains.
He called for reforms to sanitise the sector, stressing that wealth creation through the informal sector of the economy could contribute to addressing the menace.
The House of Representatives has secured the commitment of seven major oil companies to pay the $37,435,094.52 (approximately ₦58 billion) owed the country before August.
The Nigerian House of Representatives in session
This is contained in a statement issued by the Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., in Abuja on Monday, March 10, 2025.
Rotimi listed the affected companies as: Belema Oil, Panocean Oil Nigeria Ltd., Newcross Exploration and Production Ltd., Dubri Oil Company Ltd., Chorus Energy, Amni International and Network Exploration.
He said that the feat was achieved through the ongoing investigation by the Public Accounts Committee of the house.
“The commitment follows the committee’s scrutiny of financial records from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which flagged significant lapses in royalty payments and reconciliation processes across the sector.
“The pledged repayment forms part of a ₦9 trillion outstanding liability queried by the Auditor-General for the Federation in his 2021 report submitted to the National Assembly,” he said.
The spokesman said that the debts, some of which had accrued over a period of four years, highlighted long-standing revenue leakages in the oil and gas sector.
“Beyond these seven companies, the committee’s investigation has uncovered $1.7 billion (₦2.5 trillion) owed by 45 oil and gas companies in unpaid royalty payments as of December 31, 2024,” he said.
Rotimi also stated that nine companies, with a combined outstanding balance of $429.2 million, had contested the figures and requested a reconciliation process with NUPRC to verify their actual liabilities.
“These companies include: Aradel/Niger Delta, Chevron, STAR DEEP, Shore Line, Seplat Producing Unlimited, Esso Erha, Esso Usan, Eroton Exploration and Seplat Energy,” he said.
The lawmaker said that the committee had directed that the reconciliation process be concluded within two weeks, after which the affected companies must settle their confirmed debts without delay.
He, however, said that some companies failed to appear before the committee.
“A total of 28 companies, collectively owing $1,230,708,293.14, have failed to honour invitations by the committee or respond to public notices,” he said.
Rotimi said that the committee had given the affected companies the grace period of one week to submit all relevant documentation regarding their statutory obligations and appear before it.
He said that failure to comply within the new timeframe might result in firm legislative and regulatory sanctions to enforce accountability and ensure compliance.
The spokesman said that only two companies – Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production – were found to have fully met their royalty obligations.
He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring that all oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria adhered to statutory payment obligations, in line with Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Rotimi said that the committee would continue to intensify its oversight to recover outstanding revenues and plug revenue leakages in the industry.
“The House of Representatives reiterates that companies benefiting from Nigeria’s natural resources must comply with financial obligations to support national development.
“The necessary legislative measures will be taken to enforce compliance and safeguard public revenue,” he said.
Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria) has decried the nation’s decision to apply for the importation of “non-hazardous” waste from the European Union (EU).
Dr Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of the Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria)
This move, according to the research group, is “deeply troubling”, adding that the country already struggles with weak enforcement, lack of data arising from poor budgetary allocation, inadequate recycling infrastructure, and the absence of engineered sanitary landfills.
“With dumpsites overflowing and waste increasingly polluting water bodies, this decision could further aggravate public health and environmental challenges,” disclosed the organisation.
SRADev Nigeria says its latest finding reveals that Nigeria responded to receiving non-hazardous wastes amongst some non-OECD countries from the EU pursuant to Article 42 of Regulation 2024/1157 on shipments of waste from the EU after May 21, 2027. In this regard, Nigeria is ready to receive waste streams categorises as: Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), Paper Waste, Textile Waste, Rags and Fly Ash.
Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADev Nigeria, frowned at the move, stating: “Nigeria is battling a huge solid waste crisis, yet we are now opening our doors to foreign waste like; fly-ash, textile & rags, and paper, under the guise of it being ‘non-hazardous.’ This is unacceptable and reflects poor governance, a lack of environmental foresight, and an outright disregard for public health. Our priority should be managing our existing waste, not acceding to importing more. If the waste is non-hazardous, then why do we trade in less developed countries of the world.”
Lack of Transparency and Risk of ‘Waste Colonialism’
Nigeria has yet to ratify the Bamako Convention (Africa’s own Convention) and the Basel Convention – BAN Amendment, which explicitly prohibits hazardous waste imports into and within Africa. The Bamako Convention has a stricter definition of hazardous waste than the Basel Convention where many of the EU waste fall in the scope of hazardous waste under Bamako Convention that prohibits importation of such waste into Africa. Nigeria without the capacity to properly classify imported waste, there is no guarantee that toxic or hazardous materials will not slip through under misleading classifications, said Adogame.
SRADev Nigeria is concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding this decision. Mr. Jeremiah Ato, Policy and Technical Officer at SRADev Nigeria, emphasised: “This is a clear case of Waste Colonialism, where wealthier nations offload their waste burden onto countries with weaker regulations. The Nigerian government as well as the EU must be fully transparent about this agreement and prioritize its citizens’ health and environmental well-being over external economic interests.”
Nigeria’s Reputation at Stake Ahead of BRS Regional Meeting
According to SRADev, this decision also puts Nigeria’s credibility at risk ahead of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Regional Meeting holding in Lusaka, Zambia, from March 18-20, 2025, where 54 African countries will discuss among other chemicals and waste issues affecting the region such as; waste trade controls, including Y-48 and Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF).
Dr. Adogame further emphasised: “At a time when global discussions on waste trade controls are intensifying, Nigeria’s decision to import waste raises serious concerns. Y-48, which refers to plastic waste under Annex II of the Basel Convention, requires special regulatory consideration due to its environmental risks, particularly in countries like Nigeria that already struggle with plastic pollution.
“Similarly, RDF, while promoted as an alternative energy source, poses significant environmental concerns due to emissions, ash residues, and the potential presence of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). If Nigeria is currently grappled with existing waste, how can we guarantee the proper handling of imported waste like RDFs?”
Violation of Nigeria’s Climate Commitments
SRADev believes that the decision directly contradicts Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) targets for the waste sector, which emphasise reducing emissions through improved waste management and circular economy practices.
“By agreeing to import waste, Nigeria risks increasing its carbon footprint, undermining its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, and deviating from its national waste reduction strategies,” disclosed Adogame.
Call for a National Stakeholders Intervention Meeting
SRADev Nigeria is calling for an urgent review of the decision by the National Chemicals Management Committee (NCMC), acting as the clearing house on issues of chemicals and waste, to examine the implications and ensure transparency. This forum which already exist involve key government agencies, civil society organisations, environmental experts, industry stakeholders, and the media to help align Nigeria’s policies with its commitments under the Basel Convention and its amendments.
Adogame called on “the EU to act responsibly by ensuring that its waste export policies (according to article 41 of the regulation 2024/1157) do not place an undue burden on developing nations. The health and environmental well-being of over 200 million Nigerians should take precedence over economic or trade considerations. Therefore, the EU has a duty to make decisions that align with global sustainability goals and uphold environmental justice.”
He added: “Nigeria must take a decisive stand against hazardous and unchecked waste trade to safeguard its environmental future and protect its citizens from worsening waste management challenges.”
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, March 10, 2025, launched the Certified Accreditors’ Programme (CAP), a key initiative aimed at strengthening building safety and compliance.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State
At the launch in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the programme’s significance in preventing building collapses, drawing attention to the tragic 2021 Ikoyi building collapse that prompted the reform.
“Today, we mark a pivotal moment in our journey toward a safer and more prosperous Lagos State,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He said that the CAP, developed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), was a direct response to recommendations from a panel established to investigate the Ikoyi incident.
The focus, he said, was on strengthening collaboration between the government and private sector professionals in the built environment.
The governor highlighted the programme’s role in enhancing socio-economic well-being of the state.
He outlined the programme’s benefits, including ensuring building safety, attracting investments, enhancing urban aesthetics, and promoting sustainable development.
He said that a robust regulatory framework would instil confidence in developers and drive economic growth.
“By effectively reducing the risk of building collapses, we not only protect lives and property but also foster a sense of security that is vital for any thriving community,” he said.
The governor urged all stakeholders, including property developers, homeowners, architects and engineers, to collaborate in upholding the highest standards of integrity and compliance to building regulations.
He also called on members of the public to report substandard constructions and unauthorised developments to relevant authorities.
“I charge all accredited firms to carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism.
“You are now integral players in our mission to make Lagos State a model for sustainable urban development in Africa,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to building a safer, more organised and sustainable Lagos, emphasising that it was a responsibility owed present and future generations.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Planning Matters, Dr Olajide Babatunde, said that the programme went through a rigorous process to ensure that only qualified companies would be involved.
He said: “A total of 250 expression of interest forms were obtained, and 150 companies have been shortlisted.
“As a matter of fact, we are still going to have super CAP agents who will be checking what we are doing so that we know that we are not alone.”
He said there were two groups – individual professionals and consulting corporate firms.
The individual professionals, he said, consisted of a minimum of five qualified professionals in relevant fields including architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering and town planning.
The corporate firms, he said, consisted of a minimum of two registered companies in the construction and built industry.
Earlier, the General Manager of LASBCA, Mr. Gbolahan Oki, said that CAP would significantly improve LASBCA’s ability to fulfill its mission of ensuring building safety.
He said it would foster better cooperation among the agency, private sector professionals and developers.
Oki said: “I am therefore convinced that the launch of CAP today will help our agency to serve the people more effectively, while it will also enhance collaboration, innovation and excellence in building practices.”
He appealed to building owners and developers to cooperate with the certified accreditors during inspections to help to prevent building collapse.
He warned that defaulters would face consequences.
Organised residents of informal settlements and members of civil society have condemned the mass forced eviction of the people of Ilaje Otumara and Baba Ijora communities on the Lagos Mainland, claiming that the eviction was carried out in violation of subsisting court orders.
A victim of forced eviction at Ilaje Otumara and Baba Ijora communities in Lagos
While lamenting that the eviction also violated years of positive engagement and promises of partnership to regenerate the area for the people, the activists warned that the development portends a total breakdown of any trust in the government around land governance and urban development to the detriment of the nation.
On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) entered into Ilaje Otumara and neighbouring Baba Ijora communities in Lagos Mainland and reportedly marked hundreds of homes and business for imminent “removal” within a period of two days. That same day, residents protested to the Lagos Mainland Local Government where the Chairwoman reportedly pledged support for the community.
On February 12, 2025, residents mobilised to Alausa for a peaceful demonstration, appealing to the Governor of Lagos State and the House of Assembly to look into and stop the threatened eviction. The same day, residents went round to deliver letters to all the ministries and agencies responsible for urban development – and ended up over the next two weeks meeting severally with the General Manager of LASBCA.
When LASBCA doubled down on its threat, further meetings were held with the General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and, finally, the Special Advisor to the Lagos State Governor on Urban Development, who assured the community that they would not be evicted and pledged to instead continue partnership for regeneration.
However, on Friday, March 7, 2025, with no prior warning, LASBCA officials, police, and “area boys” armed with machetes descended on the two communities with a Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) “Black Maria” mobile detention vehicle and up to five excavators, allegedly beating residents and demolishing the entirety of both communities from various directions, paying no heed to whether a building had previously been marked or not.
Journalists from two international media houses were reportedly blocked from entering the area to cover the eviction and one of the journalists was allegedly beaten. The eviction continued from March 8 to 9, 2025, destroying nearly the entirety of both communities, allowing widespread vandalism and looting, and leaving thousands of residents displaced and sleeping outside.
“We condemn the ongoing forced eviction in no uncertain terms; and we call on the Lagos State Government and the Federal Government that stands behind it to heed this warning and reverse the dangerous trend – starting with an immediate halt of the forced eviction of Ilaje Otumara and Baba Ijora, provision of immediate relief for evictees, and the total rebuilding of these communities for the benefit of evictees,” the campaigners said in a statement endorsed by groups like Justice & Empowerment Initiatives (JEI); Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation; Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI); Centre for Children’s Health, Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE); Global Rights; and Enough is Enough (EiE) Nigeria.
They added: “This forced eviction is as heartless as any – taking place in the midst of the holy month of Ramadan, during Lent, among celebrations of International Women’s Day, and during the worst economic crisis Nigeria has seen in decades – and its impacts on residents will be as in all the uncountable forced evictions that have taken place across Lagos and Nigeria from the recent to the distant past.
“Ordinary citizens are left without shelter to guard their belongings and their bodies against looting, sexual assault, weather and mosquitos. Without any preparation, it takes days, weeks, months or even years to find new stable accommodation. Once landlords are turned to tenants and squatters. The owners of profitable businesses are forced to hawk on the streets.
“Families are separated, forced to send their children in different places while the parents seek work where they can. Children have no means to continue their schooling, worsening Nigeria’s status as having the highest number of out-of-school children in the world. Mental and physical health suffers.”
According to the CSOs, Ilaje Otumara was one of dozens of waterfront communities that joined together in 2016 to demonstrate and eventually bring action against the Lagos State Government under the administration of Akinwumi Ambode – which resulted in a precedent judgment from the Lagos State High Court that forced evictions such as were carried out in Otodo Gbame from 2016 to 17 violate the right to dignity enshrined in Section 34 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
“The permanent injunction against displacement without prior consultation and resettlement that also came out of this case protects Ilaje Otumara and other waterfront informal settlements to today,” they stated.
They continued: “While Lagos has certainly not been free of demolitions and forced evictions during the intervening years, a new approach to positive engagement between communities like Ilaje Otumara and agencies like LASURA also began to emerge in 2017 and carried forward through successive administrations including the first administration of the current Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
“Pilot projects to demonstrate how better urban development could be practiced in Lagos have been discussed from the Kosofe Model City Plan to a Future Cities-supported regeneration plan developed for the Otto area of Lagos Mainland; and several generations of leadership of LASURA and its parent Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development have tried out a different tone and approach in engaging some communities.
“Indeed, since mid-2021, Ilaje Otumara has been positively engaging with LASURA around a planned partnership with the community to carry out regeneration in which residents were meant to be part and parcel. In late 2021, the community set up a regeneration committee to engage with LASURA and potential developers; in mid-2022, the community conducted its own census, numbering 2,808 households with a population of at least 12,313 residents; in March 2023, Governor Sanwo-Olu campaigned to Otumara based on the promise that this project would continue; and just after the election, the community conducted an opinion survey to identify the upgrading priorities of residents and feed into an expected participatory planning process.
“Since mid-2023, however, the reverse course on this positive progress has become increasing evident – starting with the forced eviction of Oworonshoki communities that had been included in the initial planning for the Kosofe Model City Plan, and continuing with the demolition of Orisunmibare in Apapa in February 2024, Otto communities in March 2024, and Oko Baba and parts of Aiyetoro communities in September 2024.
“Like the current forced eviction of Ilaje Otumara and Baba Ijora, these forced evictions evidence the recapturing of the machinery of government by an oligarchy of powerful land-owning families and corrupt private developers around the State. Much worse, the current forced eviction at Ilaje Otumara signals a return to a time we remember all too well when ordinary citizens under threat of eviction could not count on the word of the Lagos State Government but must rather assume that Government assurances mean nothing when powerful interests have targeted their homes to become vacant sellable land.”
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPA), adopted on Sept. 15, 1995, at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, aims to advance gender equality and empower women globally.
Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS
Key areas of focus include promoting women’s economic empowerment, eliminating violence against women, increasing female leadership, and protecting the rights of the girl child.
The declaration emphasises the need to strengthen institutions promoting gender equality, with the goal of creating a more inclusive and just society.
Countries are expected to implement and follow up on these commitments to achieve the outlined objectives.
The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) monitors progress and provides guidance.
Signed by 189 governments, Nigeria is a signatory to the BDPA and has committed to implementing its provisions.
Through various policies, programmes, and institutional mechanisms such as the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Nigeria has shown a commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Nigeria is also required to submit regular reports to the United Nations CSW on its progress in implementing the BDPA.
Thirty years after the adoption of the BDPA, Nigeria, along with other countries, presented its achievements, challenges, and proposed actions to accelerate implementation at the 69th CSW in New York.
Experts and relevant stakeholders have recognised Nigeria’s progress in certain areas, such as increasing access to education for girls and promoting women’s participation in politics.
However, they have also pointed out that Nigeria still faces significant challenges, including high levels of violence against women, limited access to healthcare and economic opportunities, and persistent gender-based discrimination.
Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, while marking the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD), highlighted the harsh realities faced by women and girls in Nigeria.
She also pointed to several notable policies aimed at achieving the goals of the BDPA.
According to her, the IWD celebration serves as a critical moment to propel gender equality into tangible progress and to rally for bold action to break barriers, close gaps, and empower Nigerian women and girls.
“While Nigeria has made significant progress in enacting gender-responsive laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Act, full implementation remains a challenge.
“As of today, 35 states have domesticated the VAPP Act, while 34 states have adopted the Child Rights Act.
“While this is a step in the right direction, we need full compliance, effective enforcement, and accountability to ensure that the rights enshrined in these laws become a lived reality for every Nigerian woman and girl,” she said.
The minister also acknowledged that women drive Nigeria’s informal economy, owning 41 per cent of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“However, barriers such as limited access to finance, markets, and digital literacy hinder their ability to scale their businesses.”
To address this, she mentioned that 4.5 million women nationwide will be supported to bridge this gap, while 500,000 women will benefit from skills development under the MOWA-SARA initiative, supported by WEMA Bank.
Regarding women’s political representation and leadership, she noted that in the 10th National Assembly, only four out of 109 Senators and 17 out of 360 House of Representatives members are women, with 15 states lacking any female representation.
“This stark imbalance is not reflective of a progressive democracy. We must accelerate efforts toward political inclusion, ensuring that women have a seat at the table in governance and development,” she said.
Emphasising the need for accelerated action to create a more inclusive and equitable society, she urged all stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to tackling the challenges hindering the full potential of Nigerian women and girls.
Also, Mrs. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, noted Nigeria’s progress, particularly in women’s political participation over the past three decades.
She commended the increasing confidence of political parties in including women on electoral lists, while also acknowledging the emerging challenges that require collective action for transformative change.
She emphasised that the consultation was vital for ensuring that Nigeria’s national report for CSW 69 reflected the realities of women and girls across the country.
Similarly, Dr Felicia Onibon, International Lead Consultant, presented Nigeria’s Draft BPfA+30, which showed progress in implementing the BPfA over the past 30 years, particularly focusing on the last five years (2020–2025).
Onibon highlighted significant strides, including the development of two laws and the strengthening of two others under the Spotlight Initiative in Nigeria.
She also noted that 99,985 girls and boys had been reached through in-school interventions, with additional outreach to 82,852 out-of-school youths.
“Furthermore, 16,725,584 voices were amplified in communities against gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful practices.”
Onibon stresses the need to identify gaps and recommends that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs continue collaborating with international development agencies, local partners, and relevant government institutions to accelerate progress.
Other stakeholders echoed the need for stronger policies, increased funding, and enhanced advocacy to tackle issues such as gender-based violence, economic empowerment, political participation, and access to education for women and girls.
Dr Joy Shu’aibu, Sightsavers Country Director, also called for urgent action to improve women’s access to employment, particularly for those with disabilities who face multiple barriers to financial independence.
“In Nigeria, the gender gap in employment is 8.4 per cent. Lack of access to resources and workplace barriers continue to exclude millions of women, particularly those with disabilities, from economic opportunities,” she said.
She urged global leaders attending the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) to commit to disability-inclusive approaches.
She emphasised that such approaches could unlock billions in economic potential.
Additionally, she highlighted that these efforts would contribute to advancing gender equality, ensuring that the rights and opportunities for all women, including those with disabilities, are fully realised.
Similarly, the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), initiated the “Her Seat in Parliament and Governance” campaign.
The campaign aims to increase women’s participation in governance and decision-making across Nigeria.
In partnership with the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), the initiative seeks to create more opportunities for women to engage in leadership roles and influence policy decisions at all levels of government.
Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, NAWOJ National President, emphasised that women in Nigeria have long been underrepresented in the legislative system.
Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, National Vice President of NAWOJ Zone D, said the association was campaigning for more seats to influence policies that affect women and other vulnerable groups.
Miss Grace Sim-Auta, Coordinator of the Gender Unit at Hope For Village Child Foundation, emphasised the need for collaboration among key stakeholders in Nigeria.
She called for joint efforts between the Nigerian government, NGOs, and civil society organisations to tackle the challenges faced by women and girls.
Additionally, she highlighted the importance of involving the private sector in these efforts, stressing that a collective approach was essential for addressing the multifaceted issues impacting women and girls across the country.
She stressed the importance of promoting access to education, economic opportunities, and the representation of women in leadership positions.
As Nigeria celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, it is evident that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain.
To achieve true gender equality and empowerment for women and girls, Nigeria must continue working towards creating a society that values and supports the contributions of all its citizens, regardless of gender.
President of the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Andre Correa do Lago, has acknowledged the limitations of such global negotiations, and the need to deliver on promises made at these summits.
COP30 President, Andre Correa do Lago
Correa do Lago, a veteran climate negotiator, said it was necessary to be self-critical and push back against the belief that the so-called Conference of the Parties (COP) summits involved lots of talk and “meagre results”.
Calls for reform to the UN process on climate change have been raised for years, including by previous COP presidents and other respected global figures.
“In view of climate urgency, we need a new era beyond negotiating talks: we must help put into practice what we have agreed,” wrote the COP30 president in a letter to nations on Monday, March 10, 2025, ahead of the conference, scheduled for November in Brazil.
In a separate briefing to journalists, Correa do Lago said it was essential to “do our best to link the abstraction of these negotiations and the decisions of the COP to real life”.
He said there was a perception that these talks – which every year convene negotiators from nearly 200 nations for almost two weeks of intense haggling – did not deliver what was needed.
He also spoke of the “limits” of the UN climate process and its landmark accord, the Paris Agreement, in implementing decisions, and thinking more holistically about how to tackle global warming.
At COP30 in Belem, at the mouth of the Amazon River, countries will be judged on their national climate plans and pledges for stronger action to rein in greenhouse gas emissions.
But the timing is not favourable for big new commitments on climate change, with Europe shifting money towards defence, and the United States withdrawing from the Paris Agreement entirely.
“The international context is very difficult for negotiations,” said Correa do Lago.
“Let’s see how we can accelerate what we have already decided.”
Decisions at COP summits – which are overseen by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – are taken by consensus, adding to the complexity in getting any agreement done.
In his letter, Correa do Lago referred several times to the Indigenous concept of “mutirao” – where communities unite around a common challenge – and invited the world to join such an effort.
“Humanity needs you,” he said, urging not just governments but the private sector, civil society and academia to get involved.
The COP30 presidency also wants to bring together a “circle of presidencies” from the past decade and Indigenous leaders.
In a response, 350.org stated that, in the letter, Correa do Lago laid out the initial vision for COP30, listing out key elements of the COP30 vision and noteworthy observations to include:
2.1°C as a Key Benchmark: The letter carefully avoids firm commitments, stating COP30 can be the moment for aligning finance and merging climate and digital transitions.
Forests as a Time-Saving Strategy: Reversing deforestation is framed as a critical lever for immediate climate action.
NDCs and Climate Ambition: Acknowledges the limitations of multilateral negotiations on NDCs but calls for a candid stocktake to identify obstacles to greater ambition.
Energy Transition Signals: References global energy targets (tripling renewables, doubling efficiency, phasing out fossil fuels) but falls short on calling for direct inclusion in NDCs—leaving room for future negotiations).
Climate Finance Roadmap: Mentions a “Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T” but lacks substantive detail on implementation.
Indigenous Leadership: Acknowledges Indigenous contributions but does not yet articulate a clear role for them in COP30’s agenda.
Process Innovations:
“Circle of Presidencies”: Plans to involve past COP leaders (COP21–COP29) along with CBD and UNCCD presidencies for strategic guidance.
Global Ethical Stocktake (GES): A new initiative to gather ethical perspectives on climate action from thinkers, scientists, artists, and Indigenous voices.
Toya Manchineri, General Coordinator of the Coordination of Indigenous Organizations of the Brazilian Amazon (COIAB), said: “The president of the COP is right in seeing forests as an important response to the climate emergency. However, although forest protection is crucial, the true solution to the climate crisis lies in addressing the causes that generate it. Forest preservation will only be effective if we expand the demarcation of indigenous lands, ensure proper direct funding, and transition to a low-carbon society – and this needs to happen quickly.
“We can no longer delay the elimination of fossil fuels. The caution in the letter on this issue requires more courage and ambition. Otherwise, as the letter itself says, ‘the lack of ambition will be judged as a lack of leadership.’ The Amazon won’t hold up, no matter how much we do our part, if the planet continues to burn.”
Sinéia do Vale, Co-President of the International Forum of Indigenous Peoples on Climate Change for Latin America and the Caribbean (Indigenous Caucus), said:“The proposed ‘Circle of Indigenous Leadership’ in the letter is a step forward, but we need to ensure that it has a direct and meaningful connection with the decisions of the COP. I missed a greater emphasis on the indigenous leaders and organisations of Brazil, who are on the front lines and have a crucial role to play in this collective effort for climate justice.”
Ilan Zugman, Latin America and Caribbean Director, 350.org, said: “The proactive and detailed nature of this letter from the COP30 presidency is an encouraging sign – especially in contrast to COP29. This early engagement signals an intent to shape the agenda rather than react to it. It emphasises unity in the face of climate change rather than cynicism, aligning with Indigenous perspectives on collective action. However, COP30 must be about delivering action, not just having discussions and announcing commitments without clear ways for them to be implemented.
“While the letter acknowledges the importance of Nationally Determined Contributions, Indigenous peoples and renewable energy, it falls short on calling for concrete renewable energy targets and phasing out fossil fuels. The COP30 presidency must not follow the contradictory discourses around fossil fuel expansion that the Brazilian government has been playing with lately.
“It also leaves out a plan for the inclusion of Indigenous leadership in COP30’s decision-making process, as well as how the just energy transition will be tackled. This must be addressed in the coming months. The vision is there – now we need to see the mechanisms that will turn it into reality.”
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy & Campaigns, 350.org, said:“Outlining a vision for COP30 in such a detailed manner is a welcome shift after last year’s fossil fuel-captured and stagnant presidency. This early engagement signals an intention to shape the summit’s agenda rather than merely respond to it.
“The letter rightly underscores the urgency of new climate targets and the central role of Indigenous peoples at the Amazon COP. However, it falls short in setting concrete energy targets and committing to a fossil fuel phase-out. While it references the Global Stocktake and the landmark decision to transition away from fossil fuels and triple renewable energy, the real test lies in implementation.
“The COP30 presidency must now clarify how it will translate these commitments into action – especially as the world remains dangerously off track, including Brazil’s own continued fossil fuel expansion.”
As the planet warms, the fallout from climate change – from droughts, to floods, to superstorms – is getting worse. But not everyone has felt the pain equally. This imbalance is tied to longstanding inequalities: women often shoulder more domestic care responsibilities, have less access to resources, such as land or credit, and are underrepresented in decision-making spaces.
Women in Tanzania planting trees
But in recent years women have worked to flip that script, emerging as drivers of community efforts to adapt to climate change. In rural and urban areas women are spearheading initiatives to better manage water, farm more sustainably, and prepare for disasters.
The growing wave of female-led adaptation demonstrates that climate action can also support gender equality and more secure livelihoods. For International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8, 2025, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) looks at six women leading adaptation efforts in their communities.
Marine Baponampoze, Rwanda
In Rwanda, extreme floods and droughts are hitting harder than ever. For years, deforestation has made these impacts worse by limiting the land’s ability to absorb water and recharge groundwater supplies. With support from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, local communities in the Kirehe District came together to launch beekeeping businesses – which are less reliant on rainfall – and conserve forests. Leading the charge is Marine Babonampoze.
As a team leader in the local beekeeping cooperative, she shows beekeepers how to use modern equipment to increase production. Having restored over 600 hectares of ecosystems to provide foraging ground for the bees, the project is simultaneously reducing the impacts of flood and drought while increasing honey yields.
“In general, cooperative members work together and care for one another, and everything becomes better when we unite,” she says.
Ahumwire Justine, Uganda
In southwestern Uganda, banana farmer Ahumwire Justine lost 300 trees and two cows during a devastating hailstorm a few years ago. With no insurance, she faced food shortages, unpaid school fees and an uncertain future. Now, a new digital crop insurance system, introduced by NDC Action Project, offers protection. Farmers use smartphones to document healthy banana plants and submit damage photos after storms, allowing quick assessments by agroeconomists.
Justine, a “champion farmer”, shares this tech with fellow smallholders – nearly half of whom are women – boosting resilience and productivity. This innovative approach provides financial security, and fosters hope across Uganda’s growing network of banana farmers. Bananas are integral to Uganda’s economy, with 47 per cent of farmers involved in their cultivation in 2019, according to Uganda’s statistics bureau.
Louise Mabulo, the Philippines
When Typhoon Nock-ten ripped through the Philippines in 2016, chef Louise Mabulo noticed cacao trees still standing amid the wreckage. It was at that moment that she realized cacao trees were relatively resilient to storms and she launched “The Cacao Project”, training over 200 farmers in agroforestry and planting more than 150,000 trees.
By focusing on cacao’s climate resilience and high market value, her initiative combats deforestation, revitalises farmland and empowers communities to withstand future storms, which are expected to become more common as the climate changes. Recognised as a Young Champion of the Earth, Mabulo was said to exemplify how women’s leadership can transform adversity into opportunity.
Anti Rohey Ceesay, the Gambia
In Gambia, climate change is causing more severe flooding. Fishers in the countryside sometimes lose their lives because they lack reliable forecasts and receive no alerts of when to avoid open water. Anti Rohey Ceesay, a forestry expert from the Central River Region, decided to take matters into her own hands a few years ago. After nine weather stations were built in her district with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), Ceesay was able to gather weather alerts and travel via motorbike from village to village sharing vital warnings.
In Ceesay’s culture, knowledge is often passed on through song and dance, so she organised ‘climate theatre’ performances in villages to educate her community about climate change and how to adapt. Since Ceesay began providing advanced warnings, the number of deaths from climate impacts has fallen in her community, Ceesay said.
Vivienne Rakotoarisoa, Madagascar
On Madagascar’s southeast coast, climate change has led to erratic and unpredictable rainfall. For rice farmer Vivienne Rakotoarisoa, floods and droughts devastated her family’s harvests. Determined to adapt, Rakotoarisoa now cultivates rambo—a drought-resistant reed—and transforms it into hats, mats and baskets. Although the plant is not edible, it’s more resilient than rice and its popularity as a weaving material makes it a valuable crop.
With funding from GEF, Rakotoarisoa and hundreds of villagers gained new skills, providing them with alternative, climate-resilient incomes. Weavers would traditionally forage for rambo in the wild, but now they can sustainably farm and sell the reed, which maintains a steady income even if the rice harvests fail.
Michelle Delgado, Mexico
With precipitation patterns changing in Xalapa, Mexico, local homemaker Michelle Delgado once believed restoring forests was “for men.” But through a project funded by the GEF and implemented by UNEP, workshops were organised to teach women how to plant and nurture tree species. Alongside other participating women, Delgado reforested the riparian forest of the Arroyo Papas stream, helping protect communities from landslides and floods while building a more sustainable future.
Women collect native seeds, germinate them, and distribute trees to households – “one tree for every home”. Now called “guardians of the forest” by their communities, these women’s efforts are dismantling gender stereotypes and empowering them to shape decisions that build resilience and curb climate impacts.
