Falana & Nigerian Women v FGN await judgement

The litigation process involving Nigerian women against the Federal Government of Nigeria (defendants President  Muhammadu Buhari & the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami) for inclusive governance that gives room for gender equity to reflect true democracy in Nigeria was heard on Monday 24 January 2022 at the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, before Hon. Justice Donatus Okorowo.

Barrister Funmi Falana, lead counsel to the plaintiffs informed the court that women had been marginalised too long in relation to appointment into decision making positions, in clear breach of the provisions of sections 147, 42 and 14 of the 1999 Constitution, Articles 19 and 18 of the African Charter on People’s and Human rights and other international human rights instruments like CEDAW, ICCPR and ICESCR.
Falana further informed the court that the plaintiffs have a right of action and are competently before the court.
Falana prayed the judge to ensure strict compliance to the anti-discriminatory provisions of the Nigerian constitution  and entrench Gender Equality in Nigeria.
The case was adjourned to 30 March 2022 for judgment.
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The litigation process is set to achieve a milestone on the interpretations of the laws on women’s inclusion in leadership and decision-making positions in Nigeria’s governance process.

The Towards Inclusive Governance in Nigeria is founded from the Legal Strategy Team which is a diverse group of stakeholders with deep interest in ensuring that Nigeria practices an inclusive governance.  The litigation process commenced on 2 December 2020

Signed list of Co – Plaintiff Organisations on behalf of Nigerian women and critical stakeholders
1.       Nigeria Women Trust Fund (NWTF)
2.       Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA)
3.      Women in Politics Forum
4.      Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD- WEST AFRICA)
5.      Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
6.      Vision Spring Initiatives (VSI)
7.      YIAGA, Africa
8.      International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA)
9.      100 Women Lobby Group

Photo and Video Credit: Nigeria Women Trust Fund