The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched a major new policy framework designed to strengthen the role of women in building and maintaining peace across the nation.
A New Chapter for Women in Peacebuilding
Nigeria's Third National Action Plan (NAP III) on the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 was inaugurated in Abuja on December 17, 2025. The event, led by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, marks a significant step in the country's commitment to inclusion, gender equality, and sustainable peace. The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, performed the inauguration, represented by the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Laila Barau.
In her address to stakeholders, Barau highlighted the historic importance of UNSCR 1325, adopted 25 years ago. She stated that the resolution fundamentally changed global peace and security efforts by recognizing women as critical actors, not merely passive victims in conflict situations. "Twenty-five years ago, the global community acknowledged that women must be active participants in shaping peace and security," Barau said. "Nigeria embraced this vision through our first and second National Action Plans."
She pointed to the resilience and sacrifices of Nigerian women as a powerful reason to keep the Women, Peace, and Security agenda as a top national priority. Barau called for urgent commitment from all parties in implementing NAP III. Her appeals were directed at state governments, security agencies, and traditional and faith leaders. She also urged men and boys to become active partners in creating a more just and equitable society.
Aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Ibrahim-Sulaiman, provided context for Nigeria's journey. She noted that after the global adoption of UNSCR 1325 in 2000, Nigeria domesticated the resolution with its first National Action Plan in 2013. Gains were consolidated with a second plan in 2017.
"The launch of NAP III, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aligns our national efforts with contemporary global realities and firmly anchors them within the Renewed Hope Agenda," the Minister explained. This strategic move places women, children, families, and vulnerable groups at the very center of national stability, inclusive governance, and sustainable peace.
Ibrahim-Sulaiman commended the First Lady's leadership, which signifies strong national ownership of the plan. While acknowledging progress, she stressed that women and girls in conflict-affected communities continue to face severe challenges. "In these difficult times, Nigerian women continue to demonstrate extraordinary strength, mediating conflicts, rebuilding communities, and caring for their families," she added.
A More Inclusive and Endorsed Framework
A key feature of NAP III is its inclusive development process. Unlike previous versions, this plan involved stakeholders from all six geopolitical zones and actively engaged legislators. What sets NAP III apart is its high-level endorsement by the President, the National Assembly, and heads of security institutions including the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police. This broad-based support signals stronger ownership and raises expectations for full implementation and sustainability across the country.
The United Nations also voiced its support. The UN Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, represented by UNICEF Country Representative Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, described the launch as timely. She noted that 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325 and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action. She emphasized that the success of NAP III will hinge on adequate funding, strong political will, and effective implementation in all states.
Outlining the plan's structure, UN Women Programme Manager on Women, Peace and Security, Mr. Peter Mancha, stated that NAP III is built on five core pillars:
- Prevention and disaster preparedness
- Participation and representation
- Protection and prosecution
- Crisis management, early recovery and post-conflict reconstruction
- Partnership coordination and management
He explained that this third action plan was specifically developed to tackle challenges encountered during the first two NAPs, which included limited awareness, weak political will, inadequate funding, and poor coordination. The Federal Ministry of Women’s Affairs employed a multi-sectoral and participatory approach to ensure these gaps are addressed.
