The Federal Government has officially launched its Third National Action Plan (NAP III) on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security, reaffirming the country’s commitment to protecting women and girls.
The launch, which took place at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, was presided over by the First Lady, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, with her address delivered by Hajia Laila Barau, wife of the Deputy Senate President.
First Lady Highlights Women’s Central Role in Nation-Building
The First Lady described the launch as a continuation of Nigeria’s effort to build a nation where women and girls live in safety, dignity, and equality.
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“When we invest in women, we secure our homes, our children’s future, and ultimately, our nation,” she said.
She emphasised that NAP III represents Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to the global Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which prioritises inclusion, stability, and collective progress.
She called on state governments, security agencies, traditional and faith leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners, as well as men and boys, to champion the full implementation of the plan.
Minister of Women Affairs Stresses Historical Significance
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in her address, described the launch as a historic milestone, coinciding with 30 years of the Beijing Platform for Action, 25 years of UNSCR 1325, and three decades of the Ministry’s service.
“We gather not merely to unveil a policy document but to affirm a national promise: that peace is strongest, most enduring, and most just when women are present, heard, and empowered,” she said.
She noted that NAP III, approved by President Tinubu, aligns fully with the Renewed Hope Agenda and places women, children, families, and vulnerable groups at the centre of national stability and sustainable peace.
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The Minister highlighted the significant contributions of women in Nigeria’s security sector, noting recent landmark appointments of women to senior security leadership positions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to gender-responsive governance.
National Technical Working Committee Inaugurated
A key development during the launch was the inauguration of the National Technical Working Committee on Women, Peace, and Security, chaired by the Ministry of Women Affairs.
The committee is expected to coordinate implementation, monitoring, reporting, and accountability for NAP III nationwide.
The plan will also be implemented across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory through the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes – 774.
Support from UN and Legislators
The Ministry of women Affairs’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Nko Asanye Esuabana, further described NAP III as a testament to strong multisectoral collaboration among government, civil society, and development partners.
She highlighted the plan’s pillars of participation, protection, prevention, relief, and recovery.
Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, represented by Ms Wafaa Saeed of UNICEF Nigeria, commended Nigeria for sustaining momentum on the WPS agenda, noting that NAP III is a historic addition to global milestones in women’s rights and peace.
Honourable Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, described the plan as a “decisive political statement” that requires action, promising that the National Assembly will provide oversight, budgetary support, and accountability to ensure tangible impact at the community level.
The ceremony brought together government officials, lawmakers, security chiefs, traditional and faith leaders, women mediators, civil society organisations, development partners, and the media, all united in the commitment to advance peace, security, and justice through women’s active participation.
The Third National Action Plan also promises to elevate women as key actors in conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
