...As Bauchi Speaker insists on collaboration

Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, has commended Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, Non-Government Organisations, NGOs and other stakeholders on their unwavering dedication to the ideals of fairness, justice and social progress in Nigeria.

Speaking during a two-day co-creation workshop on the State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bill organised by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC, Meranda, in her address to other State Assembly Speakers and deputy speakers present, insisted that the presence of CSOs at the workshop is a testament to the shared commitment they have towards building a more just and inclusive society.

She said, “Gender inequality remains a pressing issue. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, Nigeria ranks 125th out of 146 countries in gender parity, particularly in economic participation and political empowerment. These statistics underscore the urgency for legislative intervention and policy transformation.

“The importance of a co-created bill cannot be overstated. We are not here to impose generic solutions but to co-create a context-specific bill tailored to the realities of Nigeria and our respective states. This means listening to the voices of marginalized communities, understanding their challenges, and integrating their perspectives into the legislative process.

“We must ensure that this bill does not remain a mere document but becomes a dynamic tool for change—one that establishes clear implementation mechanisms, enforcement strategies and monitoring frameworks.”

She urged other speakers to recognise the critical role of legislation in shaping an equitable society, saying: “The need for a comprehensive bill addressing inclusivity and diversity in Nigeria cannot be overstated. Such a bill will dismantle systemic inequalities, ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources, promote gender equality, creating a fairer society for women and girls, empower persons with disabilities, ensuring their full participation in social and economic life, bridge the economic divide, supporting low-income individuals through inclusive policies, foster social cohesion, promoting unity amidst Nigeria’s rich diversity, and align Nigeria with global development goals, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Beyond legislation, we must commit to effective implementation, adequate funding, and continuous monitoring to ensure that the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are fully realised.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly remains committed to supporting this cause and ensuring that our legislative frameworks align with the principles of equity and inclusion. We will continue to provide the necessary backing to ensure that the objectives of the workshop translate into tangible policy actions that impact lives across the nation.”

On his part, the Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, posited that collaboration by all stakeholders is key in having it signed into law. He said, “It has to be a shared responsibility. No single entity, especially the government, can solely carry the burden of enacting and enforcing the State Equity Bill. We all have a part to play. 

“In particular, my fellow members of the House of Assembly, I ask you to view this bill as not just a legal instrument, but a stepping stone toward a better society. Let us urge for its swift acceptance and execution. 

“To civil society organisations, your participation in policy making, advocacy work, research and bottom-up activism is very important. Let us work together to facilitate acceptance from the general public and guarantee its effective utilisation. 

“To development partners, your relevance to the topic is your experience and support in the embedding of best practices towards equity and inclusion in Nigeria. 

“To the citizens the bill is for you. I encourage you to engage, offer feedback and actively integrate yourself in the creation of a society where everyone is given a fair shot at success. 

“The passage of the bill will mark a new era of governance in our various states—one that prioritises justice, fairness and inclusion. Let us seize this moment to rewrite the narrative and build a state where every individual, regardless of background or status, is empowered to contribute to our collective progress.”

[Vanguard]