Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mojisola Meranda, has praised Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and other key stakeholders for their dedication to promoting fairness, justice, and social progress in Nigeria. Speaking at a two-day co-creation workshop on the State Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bill, organized by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Meranda emphasized the vital role of these organizations in building a more inclusive society.

Addressing fellow State Assembly Speakers and deputy speakers, she highlighted the pressing issue of gender inequality in Nigeria. Citing the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, which ranks Nigeria 125th out of 146 countries in gender parity, she stressed the need for legislative action. She noted that the bill should be developed collaboratively, ensuring it reflects Nigeria’s unique realities rather than imposing generic solutions. This involves engaging marginalized communities, understanding their challenges, and incorporating their perspectives into the legislative framework.

Meranda further stressed that the bill must not be a mere policy document but an active tool for change. It should establish clear mechanisms for implementation, enforcement, and monitoring. She urged fellow legislators to recognize the importance of comprehensive legislation in fostering an equitable society. Such a bill, she explained, would address systemic inequalities, promote gender equality, empower people with disabilities, support low-income individuals, strengthen social cohesion, and align Nigeria with global development goals, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Beyond enacting the bill, Meranda called for commitment to effective implementation, proper funding, and continuous monitoring to ensure its success. She assured that the Lagos State House of Assembly would remain dedicated to supporting policies that advance equity and inclusion, ensuring that the workshop’s objectives translate into tangible legislative action.

Bauchi State House of Assembly Speaker, Abubakar Suleiman, also emphasized the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the bill’s enactment. He pointed out that no single entity, including the government, could shoulder the responsibility alone. He urged fellow legislators to see the bill not just as a legal measure but as a step towards a better society. Suleiman also highlighted the crucial role of CSOs in advocacy, policy-making, and ensuring public acceptance of the bill. Development partners, he noted, bring valuable experience in embedding best practices for equity and inclusion.

Speaking directly to Nigerian citizens, Suleiman encouraged them to engage actively in the legislative process, offer feedback, and contribute to creating a society that offers equal opportunities to all. He concluded that passing the bill would usher in a new era of governance, prioritizing justice, fairness, and inclusion for all citizens, regardless of their background or social status.