ABUJA, Nigeria (ChatnewsTV) — Nigeria’s newly designated Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has pledged an innovative, action-oriented approach to her tenure, promising that it will not be “business as usual.” The minister, awaiting Senate confirmation, made her commitment known during a reception led by Permanent Secretary Amb. Gabriel Aduda, with the ministry’s staff and stakeholders present.
“The President has given clear directives for impactful actions that will improve the welfare of Nigerian women and uplift vulnerable groups,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said, emphasizing her commitment to advancing women’s rights and the protection of the girl child.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure that women’s voices are heard and represented in all areas of governance,” she said. “Our focus will be on advocating for laws that empower women and end discriminatory practices.” The minister highlighted her plans to work closely with lawmakers and civil society organizations to dismantle barriers that women face in Nigeria.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also outlined her intent to address gender-based violence head-on. “Women and girls who suffer from gender-based violence must have access to swift and fair justice,” she asserted, explaining her plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police Force for an “effective response” to such cases.
The minister stressed the importance of social services, noting that expanding them would be essential to support survivors. “In partnership with stakeholders, we will create safe spaces for those affected and strengthen protections against abuse, trafficking, and exploitation,” she said.
Expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for entrusting her with the role, Sulaiman-Ibrahim cited her accomplishments at the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), where she helped elevate Nigeria from a Tier 2 Watchlist to Tier 1 status. “Tangible results are achievable when we commit to our objectives,” she said.
With a rallying call to Nigerian women, Sulaiman-Ibrahim declared, “It is indeed Women’s O’clock in Nigeria. This is your time. Together, we will break down barriers, lift each other, and ensure that your voices are heard, your rights protected, and your dreams within reach.”
