A coalition of prominent Northern women has voiced strong discontent over the recent announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, regarding the composition of the Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC). The absence of female representation on the board has ignited outrage among the region’s leading women, who describe the exclusion as “a disheartening slap in the face of Northern women.”
In a joint statement signed by prominent figures such as Asma’u Joda, Saudatu Mahdi, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Oyebode, Amina Salihu, Mairo Mandara, Qadriyya Ahmed, Fatima Akilu, Rabi Jimeta, and Habiba Mohammed, the coalition condemned the male-dominated NWDC appointments, calling it a breach of the National Gender Policy and a stark deviation from President Tinubu’s promise of 35% affirmative action for women in governance.
“Not a single female name appears among the nominees forwarded to the Senate for confirmation,” the statement read. “This goes against all principles of justice, equity, and the President’s own commitments to gender inclusion.”
The coalition of Northern women leaders argues that the exclusion is especially troubling, given the pivotal role women have played in the region’s socio-economic development. “Northern Nigeria has a rich history of formidable female leaders, professionals, and activists who have tirelessly championed progress,” the group highlighted. “These women have driven initiatives to educate the girl-child, combat malnutrition, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and address sexual and gender-based violence, among other critical challenges.”
Despite their track record, the absence of female representation on the NWDC Board is seen as a significant oversight. “Their exclusion speaks volumes about the mindset of those involved in the nomination process,” the statement continued. “This omission not only perpetuates the region’s long-standing struggles but also undermines the immense potential women hold in shaping a better future.”
The coalition points to alarming statistics that reflect the urgent need for diverse leadership in the North West region. Multi-dimensional poverty rates in the area range from 72% to 90%. Four out of the seven states in the region have more children out of school than in school, with girl-child literacy rates hovering below 20%. Furthermore, between 72% and 80% of citizens in these states experience food insecurity. These stark figures, the group asserts, cannot be addressed without women’s voices at the decision-making table.
The group emphasized that the absence of women in leadership positions on the NWDC Board represents not just a violation of principles of justice and equity, but a missed opportunity for inclusive and effective governance. The statement underscored the role women have historically played in driving community development and the significant benefits their perspectives would bring to tackling the region’s challenges.
“Women excel across a wide range of fields—finance, public administration, the judiciary, education, business, technology, and peacebuilding,” the coalition noted. “Yet, these skills and experiences have been disregarded in favor of male-dominated leadership. This decision suggests a belief that women’s contributions are inconsequential to solving the region’s pressing issues, which couldn’t be further from the truth.”
By excluding women from the NWDC Board, the coalition argues, the government has overlooked a critical opportunity to involve capable women who could have made significant strides in achieving sustainable development goals. The statement calls for an immediate reevaluation of the board’s composition and urges the federal government to include qualified women in the commission.
The coalition highlighted the irony of the NWDC appointments, given the pressing need for diverse perspectives to address the region’s socio-economic challenges. “Northern women have long been at the forefront of grassroots development and community mobilization,” the statement read. “Their exclusion from this pivotal commission underscores a larger failure to recognize the value of their contributions.”
The group also addressed the misconception that there are few women capable of leading at the regional or national level. “Thousands of qualified women exist in Northern Nigeria,” the statement declared. “To exclude them from such critical roles is not only unfair but counterproductive to the region’s progress.”
The coalition stressed that Northern women possess unique strengths in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community trust, all of which are essential for addressing the deep-rooted socio-economic problems in the region. “Women command respect within their communities and have innate negotiating skills, compassion, and grassroots experience. These qualities are vital for achieving scale, impact, and sustainability in any development effort,” they said.
The statement raised concerns that the NWDC, despite its potential, may become a tool for political maneuvering rather than a genuine platform for development. The coalition questioned the sincerity of the commission’s establishment, asking, “Do we truly yearn for development, stability, and peace, or is this North West Development Commission merely a statement about political ambitions and procurement?”
The coalition concluded their statement by quoting a Hausa proverb: “The Friday that heralds hope could be discerned from the Wednesday before.” The group argued that gender inclusivity is not just a matter of fairness but is essential to laying the foundation for a prosperous and stable North West region.
In their closing remarks, the coalition called for the federal government to rectify the situation and ensure that future appointments to the NWDC reflect the diversity of the region. They emphasized that the exclusion of women not only undermines their contributions but also betrays the promise of development in the North West.
For the region to truly progress, its leadership must embody the resilience, skills, and diversity of its people, the statement argued. “Anything less,” they warned, “would be a betrayal of the potential that Northern women have to offer.”
President Tinubu’s nominations to the NWDC Board include Haruna Ginsau as Chairman, Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji as MD/CEO, and several other male members. The coalition’s call for gender inclusion has raised serious questions about the direction of the commission and the future of development in the North West.
