A coalition of leading Northern women has expressed disappointment 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 any female representation on the board has sparked outrage, with women leaders calling it a “disheartening slap in the face of Northern women.”
In a joint statement signed by prominent Northern women including Asma’u Joda, Saudatu Mahdi, Maryam Uwais, Aisha Oyebode, Amina Salihu, Mairo Mandara, Qadriyya Ahmed, Fatima Akilu, Rabi Jimeta, and Habiba Mohammed on Thursday, the group criticized the exclusion of women from the newly appointed NWDC Board.
The statement said, in part “Not a single female name appears among the nominees forwarded to the Senate for confirmation. It goes against the grain of the National Gender Policy, the President’s promise of at least 35% affirmative action for women in his appointments and all sense of justice and equity.”
The statement laments, “Northern Nigeria has a rich history of formidable female leaders, professionals, and activists who have tirelessly championed socio-economic progress. Indeed, numerous women exist, who through sheer determination and resilience, have driven initiatives to educate the girl-child, combat malnutrition, reduce maternal and infant mortality, as well as address sexual and gender-based violence and the escalating mental health challenges. In every sphere of competence, across finance and accounts, public administration, the judiciary, good governance, health, education, data analysis, business, technology, advocacy, and peacebuilding, you find women excelling by applying themselves in the diverse fields.”
Despite this history of achievement, the glaring absence of women from the NWDC Board sends a troubling message. “Their exclusion speaks volumes about the mindset of those involved in the nomination process,” the statement read, warning that this omission only perpetuates the region’s long-standing socio-economic struggles.
The statistics the group presents are dire: multi-dimensional poverty rates in the North West region 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%. Additionally, between 72% and 80% of citizens in these states experience food insecurity. These figures illustrate the severity of the region’s challenges, which the women argue cannot be adequately addressed without female voices at the decision-making table.
The decision to exclude women from the NWDC Board is not only a violation of the principles of justice and equity, but it is also a missed opportunity for inclusive governance. The group emphasizes that the absence of women’s perspectives in leadership roles undermines the potential for sustainable development in the North West region, which faces some of the most severe human capital and infrastructure deficits in the country.
According to the coalition, Northern women, who have long been at the forefront of grassroots development and community mobilization, possess the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to tackle these pressing issues. “In every sphere of competence, across finance, public administration, the judiciary, education, data analysis, business, technology, and peacebuilding, you find women excelling,” the statement reads. Yet, these talents have been overlooked in favor of male-dominated leadership.
The coalition also highlights the irony of the omission, given the urgent need for a diverse range of perspectives to address the region’s profound challenges. “The decision to exclude women from pivotal decision-making roles suggests a conviction in high places that the contributions and perspectives of women are inconsequential to solving these pressing problems,” they argue. “This glaring omission is an opportunity lost for all, and the region can only be worse for it.”
The women’s group calls for an immediate reevaluation of the NWDC Board appointments, urging the federal government to include competent women in the commission. They assert that involving women in leadership roles is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring a balanced, inclusive approach to regional development.
The statement also challenges the misconception that only a few women have been “tried and tested” for leadership roles. The signatories argue that thousands of women with proven capacities and competencies exist in Northern Nigeria, and their exclusion from such critical governance roles is not only unfair but counterproductive to the region’s progress. “Our exceptional and passionate Northern women, excelling in every field imaginable, must be involved in efforts at positively transforming the region,” they stated.
The coalition stresses that Northern women possess unique strengths in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, particularly at the grassroots level, where their compassion, negotiating skills, and community trust are invaluable. “Women command respect within the communities and possess innate negotiating skills, compassion, and grassroots experience to achieve scale, impact, and sustainability,” they noted. These qualities are vital for addressing the deep-rooted socio-economic problems facing the region.
The statement concludes by questioning the true intent behind the NWDC. The women express concern that the commission could become another avenue for political maneuvering and procurement rather than a genuine platform for sustainable development. They ask: “Do we truly yearn for development, stability, and peace, or is this North West Development Commission merely a statement about political ambitions and procurement?”
As the statement poignantly notes, quoting a Hausa proverb, “The Friday that heralds hope could be discerned from the Wednesday before.” This call for gender inclusivity is not just about fairness, but about laying the groundwork for a future in which all voices—men and women alike—are part of the effort to build a more prosperous and stable North West region.
For the region to move forward, the coalition insists that its leadership must reflect the diversity and resilience of its people. Anything less, they argue, would be a betrayal of the promise of development and the potential that Northern women have to offer.
President Tinubu nominated Haruna Ginsau (Chairman), Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji (MD/CEO), Yahaya Umar Namahe (member), Aminu Suleiman (member), Tijani Yahaya Kaura (member), Abdulkadir S. Usman (member), Muhammad Ali Wudil (member), Shamsu Sule (member), and Nasidi Ali (member) to the inaugural Governing Board of the North West Development Commission (NWDC).
The step follows President Tinubu’s signing of the North West Development Commission Bill into law on 24 July, marking a crucial milestone in the commission’s establishment.
