Nigeria’s top women leadership networks have renewed calls for sweeping labour reforms and stronger gender inclusion in governance.
The call was made after a high-level meeting with the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Onyejeocha: Inclusive Leadership Drives National Growth
Welcoming the delegation, Onyejeocha described their push as vital to building a more resilient workforce.
“Gender-inclusive leadership is not just about fairness; it’s a strategic imperative,” she said. “No nation can achieve sustainable growth or global competitiveness if half its population is excluded from the rooms where key decisions are made.”
Coalition Seeks 16-Week Paid Maternity Leave, 14-Day Paternity Leave
The coalition urged both government and major employers to adopt a national minimum of 16 weeks fully paid maternity leave and 14 days paid paternity leave.
In a signed statement, NGF Director of Media and Strategic Communications, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi said the group warned that the existing 12-week, half-pay policy pushes many women out of the labour market.
“Nigeria loses the return on its investment in girls’ education when women are forced out due to weak family-leave policies and inadequate care systems,” the group said.
Responding, Onyejeocha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reform.
“Our ongoing review of labour laws will close gaps that hinder women’s participation,” she stated, adding that the Ministry is upgrading its labour inspectorate system to enforce equal pay, maternity protection, and safe workplaces.
$114 Billion in Unpaid Care Work: Coalition Demands Recognition
Highlighting Nigeria’s undervalued care economy, the coalition estimated that women contribute over $114 billion in unpaid care work annually, limiting their economic participation.
They urged the government to introduce childcare subsidies, professionalize care services, and strengthen protection against pregnancy discrimination to unlock productivity and inclusion.
NGF Targets 20 States for Six-Month Parental Leave by 2027
Hauwa Haliru, Director of Gender Affairs at the NGF, backed the coalition’s call for longer leave.
“At the NGF, we are advocating six months paid maternity leave and using the Spouses’ Forum to promote six months paternity leave as well,” she said.
“Nine states have already adopted the six-month policy, and our target is twenty by 2027.”
Federal Push for 35 Percent Women in Leadership
On governance, Onyejeocha restated the Federal Government’s goal of at least 35 percent female representation across all levels.
“A leadership structure that includes 35 percent women is not only fair — it’s essential for balanced and empathetic governance,” she said.
Coalition Urges Stronger Media Partnership
The women leaders also appealed for robust media collaboration to amplify women’s voices through interviews, features, and policy coverage.
They noted that visibility drives understanding, helping to entrench Nigeria’s commitment to gender-balanced leadership.
Minister Pledges Continued Collaboration
Onyejeocha closed the session with a promise of partnership.
“Together, we can build workplaces, boardrooms, and institutions that reflect the true strength and potential of our nation,” she said.
