Labour Minister: Gender-inclusive Leadership Strategic Imperative, Transcends Fairness

Chuks Okocha in Abuja 

The Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Nkeiruka Onyejiocha has described gender inclusive leadership as quest for fairness and strategic leadership.

The minister spoke in a gathering between her ministry and the Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, and other advocates for gender inclusion in nation building.

According to the minister of state who was a member of the House of Representatives for 12 years, ”Gender-inclusive leadership is not just about fairness; it is a strategic imperative.

”No nation can expect to achieve sustainable socio-economic development, global competitiveness, or institutional resilience if half of its population is under-represented in the rooms where critical decisions are made.

”Today, therefore, I would like to affirm the full support of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and my humble self in the key areas you have outlined.”

She said the ministry is committed to driving labour reforms that reflect the realities of today’s workforce – reforms that National World of Work Gender Policy (NWWGP) was recently developed and validated with the support of OXFAM in Nigeria, and the International Labour Organisation, ILO. 

She further said, ”This policy addresses key gender issues in the world of work including discrimination, violence and harassment, in alignment with ILO Conventions 100, 111 and 190.

”Our ongoing review of labour laws will address gaps that limit women’s participation, including outdated provisions on employment practices, workplace protections, and the enforcement of anti-discrimination standards”, she stated.

She stressed further, ”We are also strengthening the labour inspectorate system to ensure compliance with policies that support women, including maternity protection, safe workplaces, equal pay for equal work, and family-friendly work environments. 

”These reforms are essential for reducing barriers that hinder women’s entry and advancement in the labour market.”

The minister said that corporate Nigeria must reflect the diversity and talent of the nation, adding that ”Women constitute a significant portion of the educated workforce, yet remain under-represented in leadership and executive roles.”

According to the minister, ”The Ministry fully supports initiatives that promote work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, equitable recruitment processes, and mentorship pipelines for women in the private sector.

”We are committed to partnering with this coalition to develop gender-inclusive workplace guidelines that will help organizations create environments where women can thrive, innovate, and lead.”

Accordingly, she said, ”governance structure that reflects at least 35% female representation – at the federal, state, and local levels – is not only fair but necessary for balanced and empathetic leadership across Nigeria. We have seen the difference that women make in public service: greater accountability, stronger community engagement, and more sustainable policy outcomes.

”Similarly, the advancement of gender representation in listed companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, particularly on boards and in executive management, must continue with deliberate action.

The various women groups in their partnership with the Governors Forum advocated fair labour laws for women even under pregnancy.

They called for a six-month, post-natal laws for women with full pay as well as shunning all gender laws in work place with discrimination.