The Federal Government has welcomed Nigeria’s re-election to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), describing the achievement as a major endorsement of the country’s commitment to advancing women’s rights, gender equality and inclusive development.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, made the remarks on Saturday in Abuja while celebrating Nigeria’s successful return to the influential UN treaty-monitoring body responsible for overseeing the implementation of women’s rights conventions globally.

According to the minister, Nigeria secured its seat during elections held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, emerging victorious against candidates from eight other countries. She said the outcome reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria’s efforts to promote gender equality and protect the rights of women and girls.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim noted that the re-election would provide fresh momentum for ongoing legal and policy reforms aimed at expanding opportunities for women, strengthening institutional support systems and enhancing economic empowerment initiatives across the country.

“This international recognition must translate into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerian women and girls. Our goal remains to ensure that equality is not only a principle but a lived reality for every woman and girl in Nigeria,” she said.

The minister revealed that her ministry would work closely with state governments to accelerate the domestication and implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), ensuring stronger legal protections and better outcomes for women nationwide.

She explained that broader implementation of the convention would improve access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and social protection, while fostering greater inclusion and improved living standards for women and girls across the federation.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting global efforts aimed at promoting gender equality, women’s rights and sustainable development, while strengthening partnerships with international stakeholders pursuing similar goals.

She commended the Federal Ministries of Women Affairs and Foreign Affairs, Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other stakeholders whose coordinated efforts contributed to the country’s successful re-election.

The minister further highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as a framework that places women, families and vulnerable groups at the heart of national development.

According to her, the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening family welfare and driving inclusive growth across the country.

She also praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing women’s economic empowerment through the Renewed Hope Initiative, which she said has continued to create opportunities, support livelihoods and promote sustainable development in communities nationwide.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim congratulated Mrs Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia on her re-election to a second four-year term on the UN committee, describing the achievement as a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence and leadership in advancing women’s rights on the global stage.

She expressed confidence that Eghobamien-Mshelia would continue to represent Nigeria with distinction while contributing to international efforts aimed at strengthening gender equality and protecting the rights of women worldwide.

The minister reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to ensure that Nigeria’s international commitments result in meaningful benefits for women, families and communities through effective policy implementation, institutional reforms and strategic partnerships.