Politics & Governance

Overview

On 26 September 2023, my political journey entered a defining phase when I was appointed Special Assistant on Women Affairs to the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON. This role placed me at the heart of Nigeria’s legislative process and provided a unique opportunity to contribute directly to policies and initiatives affecting women, girls, and marginalized communities nationwide.

My work is anchored in one core belief: lasting change must be institutional, inclusive, and embedded in law. Through strategic advocacy, coalition-building, and legislative engagement, I have worked to expand women’s access to power, influence policy outcomes, and strengthen gender-responsive governance in Nigeria.

Advancing Women’s Inclusion in the National Assembly

Since assuming office, I have been deeply involved in opening up the National Assembly to women in unprecedented ways.

  • International Women’s Day at the National Assembly (8 March 2024): I organized the first-ever official International Women’s Day celebration at the National Assembly. This historic event was more than symbolic; it asserted women’s rightful place in decision-making spaces and expanded women’s access to parliamentary engagements, consultations, and policy dialogues.

  • Women’s Visibility and Participation: Following this milestone, women’s participation in legislative processes increased, strengthening their visibility, influence, and engagement with lawmakers across committees and policy platforms.

Legislative Advocacy & Negotiation Experience

My effectiveness in legislative advocacy is grounded in strong negotiation and consensus-building skills.

  • Diplomatic Foundation: During a Turkey Diplomatic Simulation, I was recognized as Outstanding Negotiator and Best Diplomat after successfully lobbying participants and building consensus around policy positions. This experience shaped my advocacy approach and continues to inform my legislative strategy.

  • Special Seats Bill for Women: I have applied these skills extensively in advancing the Special Seats Bill, where strategic lobbying, coalition-building, and sustained engagement with lawmakers are essential to achieving meaningful reform.

Constitutional Reform & National Policy Engagement

I am privileged to serve as a member of the Constitution Review Committee, following the recommendation of the Honorable Speaker of the House of Representatives.

In this role, I engage lawmakers across political parties and regions, contributing to national conversations on constitutional reforms and amendments. My advocacy focuses on embedding inclusive provisions that reflect the lived realities of women, girls, and underrepresented groups, reinforcing my commitment to systemic and legally grounded change.

Empowering the Next Generation of Women Leaders

Beyond policy rooms, I am deeply committed to inspiring and preparing young women and girls for leadership.

  • International Day of the Girl Child – 10 October 2024: In partnership with Plan International, I facilitated a historic moment at the House of Representatives where 16-year-old Isabel Anani symbolically presided over the House. This powerful gesture sent a national message that leadership is attainable for Nigerian girls.

  • Girls’ Engagement with the Speaker – 10 October 2025: I organized an exclusive one-on-one engagement between the Speaker and ten girls selected from different regions of Nigeria. Guided by the question, “If you had three minutes with the Speaker of the House, what one question would you raise on behalf of Nigerian girls?”, the session fostered bold dialogue on education, safety, leadership, and inclusion. The engagement demystified power and affirmed the importance of young voices in governance.

Strategic Partnerships & Institutional Platforms

  • UN Women–Office of the Speaker MOU (6 June 2024): I facilitated a landmark Memorandum of Understanding between UN Women and the Office of the Speaker to strengthen gender-responsive legislation and align parliamentary priorities with international best practices.

  • Bridge Her Gap Initiative: On behalf of the Honorable Speaker, I created the Bridge Her Gap Initiative, a centralized platform that convenes civil society organizations, private sector actors, and policymakers to collaborate on funding, ideas, and strategies for advancing gender balance in Nigeria.

Women, Peace & Security Engagement

On 17 October 2024, I facilitated a high-level dialogue involving the House of Representatives, Chairmen of Committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, Navy, Customs, and Immigration, alongside UN Women and the Ministry of Women Affairs.

The dialogue addressed peace and security challenges affecting women across Nigeria, focusing on violence prevention, protection mechanisms, and women’s participation in security and decision-making processes. It established a collaborative platform for inclusive and responsive security governance.

Legislative Success: Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions Bill

In 2024, in collaboration with Gender Mobile Initiative, I facilitated strategic lobbying for the passage of the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions Bill.

My role included legislative tracking, procedural documentation, real-time briefings, and sustained engagement with both chambers of the National Assembly. The bill passed the House of Representatives on 25 October 2024 and the Senate on 5 November 2025, strengthening legal protections against sexual harassment and reinforcing accountability within tertiary institutions.

Ending Gender-Based Violence: National Advocacy

  • 1000-Man Solidarity Walk (25 November 2024): I organized the first-ever solidarity walk at the National Assembly to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence. Led by the Speaker and lawmakers, the 15km walk concluded at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, where a petition was submitted to the Inspector General of Police, demanding stronger protection and accountability.

  • Orange Sash Ceremony (26 November 2024): I coordinated a historic ceremony where lawmakers wore orange sashes into plenary, and the House was illuminated in orange, signaling parliamentary solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence.

Women’s Policy Action Lab – International Women’s Day 2025

On International Women’s Day 2025, I organized the Women’s Policy Action Lab at the House of Representatives in collaboration with Gender Mobile.

Fifty girls from across Nigeria analyzed key legal frameworks—including the VAPP Act, Child Rights Act, Labour Act, National Gender Policy, and Women’s Economic Empowerment Policy—identifying gaps and proposing actionable reforms. The event also recognized outstanding women and organizations contributing to Nigeria’s development.

Sub-National & Political Inclusion Strategy

  • Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly (9 December 2024): I hosted Speakers and Deputy Speakers from all 36 states to share strategies for advancing gender bills and women’s political inclusion at the sub-national level.

  • Special Seats Bill Campaign Launch (10 December 2024): At Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, I officially launched the Special Seats Bill campaign in collaboration with UN Women and Gender Mobile, mobilizing lawmakers, traditional rulers, development partners, media, and civil society.

  • Town Halls & Strategic Committee Inauguration (July 2025): I organized town hall engagements and inaugurated the Strategic Committee for the Advocacy of the Special Seats Bill, leading nationwide lobbying, party engagements, grassroots mobilization, and media advocacy.

  • Gender Desk at the National Assembly: From 19 November to 23 December, I established and managed a Gender Desk directly outside the Green Chamber, enabling daily engagement with lawmakers. This bold advocacy model was widely recognized as historic and unprecedented.

Background & Political Commitment

My journey began in social work and grassroots development, working directly with vulnerable communities through needs assessments, mobilization, and intervention programs. These experiences shaped my understanding of inequality and reinforced the need for systemic reform rather than temporary relief.

Driven by this realization, I deliberately transitioned into politics to influence decision-making structures. I am a registered and active member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and remain deeply engaged in grassroots political processes.

Guiding Principle

My work in politics and governance is guided by a clear conviction: women’s inclusion is not optional—it is essential for sustainable national development. Through legislation, advocacy, and institutional reform, I remain committed to advancing gender equality and building inclusive governance systems for Nigeria.