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…as female parliamentarians renew push for inclusion

By Gloria Ikibah

As the Parliament of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrates its 25th anniversary,
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has renewed the call on West African leaders to accelerate efforts toward greater gender inclusion.

The First Lady gave the charge while addressing at the ECOWAS Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA) Forum, with the theme: “Advancing Women’s Proportional Representation in Government”, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Senator Tinubu who was represented by the wife of Nigeria’s Deputy President of Senate, Hajiya Laila Barau, thanked Speaker of ECOWAS Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mémounatou Ibrahima, for being a strong voice in this all-important challenge of our time.

She also praising the commitment of the regional body to “inclusivity, democracy and regional solidarity.”

She highlighted persistent gaps in gender representation, and noted that although women make up more than half of the population across ECOWAS states, their presence in governance has already become a result of this reality.

She applauded the growing inclusion of women in leadership by the Nigerian government, as she the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recorded an increase in the number of women appointed to key leadership roles, including some who are the first women to hold such positions.

She also cited ongoing efforts in the National Assembly, including the Reserve Seat Bill, stressing that “the fact that the conversation is alive within our Parliament shows a willingness to confront structural barriers.”

She said: “The theme of this year’s forum, Advancing Women’s Proportional Representation in Government, is a sequel to last year’s theme and still speaks to the heart of our shared aspirations and a pressing issue yet to be resolved. Across ECOWAS Member States, women constitute more than half of the population.

“Yet, the representation in government has already become a result of this reality. I believe that the ECOWAS Parliament is setting an example by including this important forum at this present time. The Administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has recorded an increase in the number of women appointed to key leadership roles, including some who are the first women to hold such positions.

“This has in some ways compensated for the dwindling number of female representation in elective positions. The 10th Assembly is also working to pass the Reserve Seat Bill, championing the ongoing discourse to introduce gender quotas and other affirmative action measures to increase women’s representation in governance. Though the journey has been a long time coming, but the fact that the conversation is alive within our Parliament shows a willingness to confront structural barriers.

“I commend the National Assembly, under the leadership of the Senate President, His Excellency Senator Godwill-Acquavio, GCON, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudin Abbas, GCON, for their commitment to advancing gender quotas. The time for action is now, and we must seize this moment to build a more equitable and just society for all. Women bring perspectives shaped by their roles as homemakers, nurturers, entrepreneurs, peacemakers, and community leaders”.

The First Lady underscored the transformative impact of women in leadership.

“When women are present in Parliament and governance, policies on health, education, agriculture, and social welfare are more likely to reflect the needs of families and communities.

Looking ahead, she urged the sub-region to ensure that the next quarter-century of ECOWAS Parliament history is defined by decisive progress.

“As we look forward to celebrating 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament, let us make a bold commitment that the next 25 years will be marked by concrete action. I want to thank the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Her Excellency Hajja Mimunatu Ibrahimah, for being a strong voice in this all-important challenge of our time.

“I urge each of us to carry forward the lessons from this gathering. Let us mentor, support, and uplift more young women so that the next generation of female leaders are better prepared and empowered for the task ahead. The future of inclusive governance depends on the choices we make today“, she added.

Earlie in her welcome address, the President of ECOFEPA, Hon. Veronica Kadie Sesay, commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering commitment to gender inclusion

Hon. Sesay said the gathering offered a vital opportunity to intensify advocacy for women’s proportional representation across the sub-region. She described the event as an important driver for change and declared: “ECOFEPA-ACTION! ECOWAS WOMEN—ACTION NOW!”

She honoured former and serving ECOFEPA members, including founding leaders and Nigerian female parliamentarians, emphasising that their efforts had strengthened the association’s reach and impact.

Sesay announced that ECOFEPA now recognises all female parliamentarians at state and national levels as full members, a move she said would deepen collaboration across ECOWAS countries.

Highlighting persistent disparities, she noted that most member states remain below the 35 per cent benchmark for women in governance. She cited Senegal, where women occupy over 42 per cent of parliamentary seats due to strong quota legislation as a model, contrasting it with Nigeria’s 6 per cent.

She therefore urged the region to embrace proportional representation and reserved seats as practical tools to close the gap and advance women’s leadership across West Africa.

The Deputy Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Female Parliamentarians (CONFEPA), Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, restated the call for stronger gender representation across West Africa, stressing that gender balance is “a fundamental democratic right.”

She applauded ECOWAS leadership for keeping inclusive governance at the forefront of regional dialogue.

Hon. Olagbaju, said the Ekiti State government has given women positions in governance at all levels,  she also commended ECOFEPA for the recognition of CONFEPA.

“Furthermore, we all at CONCEPA were very, very delighted and very overwhelmed with joy when the clerk of ECOPEPA informed us that CONCEPA’s membership is now firmly anchored in the ECOPEPA statistics. This recognition is not only an honour, but a profound privilege, granting us the opportunity to be part of such a distinguished global association. I confidently affirm that this affiliation has greatly enriched and strengthened my tenure as chairperson of CONCEPA.

“It has expanded our network, amplified our collective voices, and provided a powerful platform that has enabled us to share our disabilities, influence and make good achievements across the region. We remain deeply grateful to ECOPEPA for their commitment.

“This celebration is more than a reflection of the effort it’s had and the renewed declaration of our shared commitment to shaping a future where women are not merely included, but fully empowered to lead, visible, influential, equitably represented in decision-making at every level of government.

As the ECOWAS Parliament’s 25th anniversary celebrations progress, stakeholders, women, female lawmakers across the region reiterated their determination to advance legal reforms, deepen advocacy, and ensure that women gain a stronger voice in decision-making at all levels.