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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The National Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS),
has charged the 36 state Houses of Assembly to implemention the State Action Plans (SAPs) pursuant to the United Nations Council Resolution (UNSCR)1325.
The Director General of the NILDS, an agency under the National Assembly, Prof Abubakar Sulaiman, gave the charge during a sensitization programme on “Women, Peace and Security in Nigeria” organised by agency in collaboration with United Nations Women and the Norwegian Embassy in Port Harcourt.
He disclosed that the workshop was organised for state lawmakers from Benue, Ekiti, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau and Rivers.
According to Suleiman, that the aim of the workshop was to sensitize the states’ lawmakers to understand the SAPs and the implementation process.
He noted that countries were required to come up with National Action Plans (NAPs) on women, peace and security that reflects their commitment and accountability towards the security of women and girls during armed conflicts,while ensuring their participation in peace processes.
The agency’s director general said Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, in collaboration with UN Women, launched its first National Action Plans in 2013, and the second in 2017.
He continued: “The States are also required to draw from this national document and contextualise it appropriately in their domains through State Action Plans(SAPs)on women, peace and security.”
Suleiman stated that 16 out of the 36 states in Nigeria had domesticated the NAPs, with Local Action Plans (LAPs) across at least 16 local government areas.
He explained the importance of legislators assuming collaborative ownership of the SAPs, being familiar with their content, and ensuring oversight of their strategic levels of implementation.
He called on all states lawmakers to formulate relevant laws to ensure that the State Action Plans reflects women’s ideas and they (women) are given full recognition and consideration in security matters, subject to the dictates of UNSCR 1325.
The DG urged lawmakers to commit to work collaboratively with the national executive to ensure that Nigerian women and girls enjoy equal participation in decision-making processes that affect the security of their lives.
He commended the UN Women for their worthy partnership over the years and committing to eliminating discrimination against women and girls globally, and particularly in Nigeria.
Sulaiman assured that NILDS, in collaboration with UN Women and Norwegian Embassy would continue to provide welfare, protection and any technical support necessary for State Houses of Assembly to own the SAPs.
In his remark, the Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, said that the workshop was timely as it wakes up states Assembly on the need to implement and prioritize the security of women in Nigeria.
The facilitator, Mrs. Any Oyekunle, on the National Action Plan for the United Nation Council Resolution(UNSCR 1325), stressed that the awareness on women inclusion in governance has increased, but not improved in commendable action.
She also urged states’ lawmakers not to overlook the opportunities for women inclusion in security, peace, local council architecture peace and mediation and also in laws that protect their rights and welfare.
