The Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) initiative has praised the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his pivotal role in advancing gender equality through the implementation of the 35% affirmative action for women in the paramilitary services.
In a statement signed by WELA’s chairperson, Mrs. Funmi Falana, the organization commended this bold move, describing it as an essential step in addressing gender imbalances within critical sectors such as security, law enforcement, and emergency services.
Advancing Gender Equality in Paramilitary Services
The initiative applies to key agencies including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), where 35% of recruitment slots will now be allocated to women. This policy change is set to encourage more women to consider careers in these fields, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Mrs. Falana expressed WELA’s satisfaction with the affirmative action, noting its alignment with the 2022 Federal High Court ruling in FHC/ABC/CS/1006/2020. The ruling mandated the Nigerian government to enforce the National Gender Policy, which reserves 35% of public appointments for women. “The exclusion of women from key appointments was deemed unconstitutional and discriminatory under Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution,” she stated.
This affirmative action by the Ministry of Interior marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight to dismantle barriers to women’s participation in public life. By prioritizing women’s representation, the Ministry is not only fulfilling a legal obligation but also setting a precedent for other sectors to follow.
A Call for Broader Implementation Across Ministries
WELA’s statement urged other ministries and government agencies to adopt similar policies that promote gender mainstreaming. “The progress achieved by the Ministry of Interior demonstrates how affirmative action can serve as a transformative tool for gender justice,” the statement read. “Other ministries must now take proactive steps to ensure women are not left behind, especially in leadership roles and decision-making positions.”
Affirmative action remains vital to Nigeria’s development, as greater representation of women in public service contributes to improved governance, service delivery, and societal progress. WELA continues to advocate for the implementation of policies that empower women and remove systemic barriers preventing them from reaching their full potential.
WELA’s Commitment to Gender Equality
WELA remains dedicated to promoting gender equality across all sectors and supporting initiatives that create equal opportunities for women. Through advocacy and legal action, the organization will continue its efforts to ensure that women are not marginalized but instead have the platform to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth and development.
For more information on WELA’s initiatives and ongoing efforts to promote gender equality follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp.
Read the full press release as published in the Vanguard here.