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Affirmative Action for Women is Essential for Equity – Speaker Abbas
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has emphasized that affirmative action for women is not a privilege or an undemocratic measure but a necessary corrective step to promote fairness and achieve gender balance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
In his keynote address at a session with Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, held to mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Speaker Abbas called for the integration of women’s and gender issues into the constitution, policies, statutes, and budgetary processes of the country. The session took place at the National Assembly on Monday.
Reflecting on the significance of the campaign, Speaker Abbas noted, “This action signified our resolve to combat violence against Nigerian women and to reinforce our collective commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society.”
He recalled leading an advocacy walk from the National Assembly to the Force Headquarters, where a petition was submitted to the Inspector General of Police; this, he said, demonstrated the resolve of lawmakers to address GBV comprehensively.
The Speaker commended the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which began on November 25, for uniting various stakeholders in the fight against GBV and the push for women’s empowerment across the nation. He highlighted the National Assembly’s leadership role in legislative reforms aimed at protecting women and promoting gender equity. These efforts include the enactment of key laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, the Child’s Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.
Speaker Abbas stressed that the 10th House of Representatives has intensified these efforts through its Legislative Agenda, prioritizing constitutional amendments that will enhance women’s participation and representation in governance. He underscored the critical role women play, stating, “Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low. This imbalance must change—not for improved statistics but for the transformative value women bring to governance, leadership, and policymaking.”
He further elaborated on the barriers hindering women’s full participation in political and public life, citing cultural norms, economic disparities, and insufficient legal protections as systemic obstacles. According to him, “A society that protects its women and leverages their potential is one that secures its future.”
To address these issues, the 10th Assembly has initiated constitutional amendment processes early, allowing time for thorough consultation and consensus-building. The House Committee on Constitution Amendment has been engaging stakeholders through sensitization and advocacy to garner support for provisions that institutionalize greater women’s representation.
“These efforts go beyond tokenism,” Speaker Abbas asserted. “Affirmative action for women is not undemocratic; it is a necessary corrective measure to address historical inequities and unlock our nation’s full potential. Many African countries, such as Rwanda and South Africa, have successfully enshrined affirmative action in their constitutions.”
The Speaker also acknowledged the critical role of state Houses of Assembly in advancing these reforms, urging state speakers to actively participate in ensuring that gender-focused constitutional amendments and legislation are adopted at the sub-national level.
News
NMDPRA approves F-500 Encapsulator Agent for oil depots, pipelines with strict three-year terms
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority has approved the F-500 Encapsulator Agent fire suppressant for use across midstream and downstream petroleum operations, subject to strict three-year conditions and regulatory monitoring.
The fluorine-free agent is now cleared for deployment in depots, pipelines and processing facilities, the NMDPRA said in a circular dated March 12, 2026 and signed by Mustapha Lamorde, PhD, on behalf of the Authority Chief Executive.
The sector-wide approval followed a two-step process.
Okama Infinity Nigeria Limited received company-specific clearance in February 2025 after the product passed Safety Data Sheet validation and eco-toxicity tests under Nigerian conditions.
The March directive extends eligibility to all licensees, operators, and service providers.
Under the Petroleum Industry Act and 2023 environmental regulations, the NMDPRA said the approval is conditional and revocable. It runs for three years from March 12, 2026.
Operators must comply fully with existing petroleum and environmental laws. Any change to the product’s formulation without prior approval voids the clearance and triggers mandatory re-certification.
Distributors must file quarterly inventory returns showing volumes imported, distributed, and deployed. The regulator reserves the right to review, revise, or withdraw approval based on field performance or new evidence.
The F-500 Encapsulator Agent offers a non-toxic, fluorine-free alternative to older foam systems that have raised environmental concerns. Fire risk remains a major hazard in petroleum storage and transport.
The NMDPRA said the rollout will be closely monitored to ensure field performance matches technical claims. For operators, the approval adds fire response capability but also increases reporting and compliance duties.
Managing Director of Okama Infinity Nigeria Limited, Sir Oghenekaro Jockey expressed joy over the approval granted by the regulatory agency.
Jockey assured stakeholders of the company’s commitment to excellent service delivery.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal has shared details of a private conversation he had with late President Muhammadu Buhari about his political ties and disagreements involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall that Lawal spoke in an interview on Channels Television, where he said the conversation happened shortly before Buhari’s death.
He explained that Buhari warned him about possible political disagreements that could come up between him and Tinubu in the future.
According to him, the late president said such situations were likely but should be handled carefully.
He said Buhari advised that any clash in political views should remain focused on governance and public issues.
The former president, he added, made it clear that personal attacks should be avoided, and discussions should remain centered on national matters rather than personal matters.
Lawal said he accepted the advice and made a promise to follow it. He explained that since then, he has tried to keep his public comments about Tinubu within political issues only, without bringing in personal matters.
He added that Buhari told him he might end up in political disagreement with someone he considered a friend, but he should avoid turning it into something personal. Lawal said he agreed to that guidance at the time and has tried to respect it in his political activities.
Quoting his exchange with Buhari, Lawal said the late president told him, “You are going to fight your friend politically; please promise me you will not go personal with your fight.”
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that the party can only adopt a consensus candidate where all aspirants voluntarily agree to the arrangement.
Speaking on the party’s nomination process, the chairman emphasized that consensus candidacy is not imposed but must be the product of mutual consent among all contenders seeking the ticket.
In a statement, the chairman clarified that any consensus candidate must have backing of all the contenders.
— Prof. Nentawe
NMDPRA approves F-500 Encapsulator Agent for oil depots, pipelines with strict three-year terms
Ex SGF Babachir reveals what Buhari told him about Tinubu before his demise
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