The Lagos State House of Assembly has pledged to support legislative frameworks aimed at fostering equity and inclusion in society.
Speaking at the Women Advocates Research & Documentation Centre Co-creation workshop held at the Protea Hotel in Lagos, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, emphasized the importance of shaping a bill that will address systemic inequalities and support vulnerable groups. The workshop, according to Meranda, aims to create an instrument that would guide society in promoting justice and fairness.
Meranda described the workshop as a significant step in Nigeria’s journey toward developing a more just, equitable, and inclusive governance structure. Despite Nigeria’s rich diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups, the Speaker pointed out that this diversity has not always translated into true equity and inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups.
The Speaker highlighted that women, low-income individuals, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities continue to face barriers limiting their access to opportunities and resources. Women, in particular, are underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making roles. Furthermore, persons with disabilities struggle with challenges in education, employment, and public service access.
Meranda also referenced statistics from the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, which ranked Nigeria 125th out of 146 countries in terms of gender parity, underscoring the need for legislative intervention and policy reforms.
She called for immediate action to address the struggles faced by individuals in rural and disadvantaged communities, emphasizing that no nation can progress while leaving a significant portion of its population behind.
The Speaker concluded by advocating for targeted training and financial support for women, youths, and persons with disabilities to empower them to contribute to the economy. She also noted that the Lagos State legislature had already taken steps to promote inclusion and diversity through progressive legislation and advocacy.
“Today, we are shaping a transformative instrument that will serve as a moral compass for our society—a bill that seeks to address and dismantle systemic inequalities that have long excluded vulnerable groups,” the speaker stated.
She continued, “Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, is rich in diversity. With over 250 ethnic groups, multiple religions, and a wide socio-economic spectrum, our country is a true reflection of multiculturalism. However, this diversity has not always translated into equity and inclusion.
“Marginalised groups, including women, low-income individuals, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities, continue to face systemic barriers that restrict their access to opportunities, resources, and representation. Women, for instance, are significantly underrepresented in political leadership and decision-making roles, holding only a small fraction of elective positions. Similarly, persons with disabilities encounter immense challenges in education, employment, and access to public services.
“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.
“Moreover, individuals in rural areas, urban slums, and economically disadvantaged communities struggle daily to access basic amenities and economic opportunities. These challenges demand immediate attention, as no nation can achieve true progress while leaving a significant portion of its population behind.”