The Hon. Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of the Interior, has received praise from Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) for his exceptional leadership in executing the 35% affirmative action policy for women in recruitment throughout the paramilitary forces under his ministry.

The 35% recruiting slots are a critical step in resolving gender disparities, according to a statement from WELA, which was signed by its chairman, Mrs. Funmi Falana.

It was mentioned that this breakthrough will inspire more women to work in emergency services, law enforcement, and security.

“The decision to allocate 35% of recruitment slots within the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is a vital move towards addressing gender imbalances in these critical sectors,” the statement reads.

The Ministry of Interior is promoting a more varied and balanced workforce, which will eventually improve the effectiveness and resilience of these institutions, by giving women’s involvement in these services top priority.

Following the 2022 Federal High Court ruling in FHC/ABC/CS/1006/2020, presided over by Honourable Justice Donatus Okorowo, which directed the Nigerian government to implement the National Gender Policy by reserving 35% of public appointments for women, WELA is especially happy to see this affirmative action take root.

The court determined that it was discriminatory and against Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution for women to be excluded from important posts.

The necessity to remove obstacles preventing women from participating in public life is reaffirmed by this ruling.

“The affirmative action policy of the Ministry of Interior is a laudable step in ensuring that women are no longer excluded from responsibilities that include making decisions and constructing the nation. We think that this advancement will boost the nation’s attempts to achieve gender parity by encouraging more women to seek jobs in emergency services, law enforcement, and security.

WELA called on other ministries to make sure that women are not left behind in any field, following the lead set by the Minister of the Interior.

WELA calls on other ministries and government bodies to take note of this noteworthy accomplishment and enact comparable measures. Making sure that women are not left behind in any field is essential to Nigeria’s progress. Other ministries may support a more inclusive and equitable public service by implementing gender mainstreaming into their hiring, promotion, and capacity-building procedures. In addition to advancing women’s rights, we think this will enhance national government and service delivery.

“We demand that all parties involved work proactively to advance gender equality and eliminate the structural obstacles preventing women from realising their full potential. The Ministry of Interior has shown that affirmative action is an essential and revolutionary weapon in the struggle for gender justice. It is imperative that all ministries acknowledge the contributions made by women and make sure that they have a sufficient number of leaders and decision-makers in their ranks.

“WELA is steadfast in its commitment to pushing laws that advance gender parity and give women more authority in all areas of life. The statement ended, “We will continue to support initiatives that give women equal opportunities and work towards a society where gender is no longer a barrier to success.”