The Nigerian Ministry of Women’s Affairs is a government body dedicated to advancing the rights and welfare of women. Founded in 1989, its main mission is to promote gender equality and integrate women’s issues into the country’s development plans.
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The ministry focuses on key areas like education, healthcare, financial independence, and safeguarding women from violence. It collaborates with government agencies and non-profit organizations to create and implement initiatives that uplift women and girls throughout Nigeria.
Past and Present Ministers of Women’s Affairs in Nigeria
| No | Name | Start of Term | End of Term | Political Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aisha Ismail | 1999 | 2003 | PDP |
| 2 | Rita Akpan | 2003 | 2005 | PDP |
| 3 | Maryam Ciroma | 2005 | 2007 | PDP |
| 4 | Saudatu Bungudu | 2007 | 2008 | PDP |
| 5 | Salamatu Hussain Suleiman | 2008 | 2010 | PDP |
| 6 | Josephine Anenih | 2010 | 2011 | PDP |
| 7 | Zainab Maina | 2011 | 2015 | APC |
| 8 | Aisha Jummai Alhassan | 2015 | 2018 | APC |
| 9 | Aisha Abubakar | 2018 | 2019 | APC |
| 10 | Pauline Kedem Tallen | 2019 | 2023 | APC |
| 11 | Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye | 2023 | 2024 | APC |
| 12 | Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim | 2024 | Present | APC |
Key Departments in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs
The Ministry of Women’s Affairs in Nigeria operates through 10 specialized departments:
- Women and Gender Affairs
- Economic Services
- Planning, Research, and Statistics
- Human Resources Management
- General Services
- Anti-Corruption Unit (ACTU)
- Child Development
- Legal Services
- Servicom
- Finance and Accounts
Parastatal Agency Under the Ministry
The ministry supervises one key parastatal:
- National Centre for Women Development (NCWD)
Units Supporting the Ministry
- Federal Audit Unit
- Anti-Corruption Unit (ACTU)
- Servicom Unit
Meet the Current Minister of Women’s Affairs
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim is the current Minister of Women’s Affairs in Nigeria, appointed on October 23, 2024, following a cabinet reshuffle by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She succeeded Barrister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye in this role. Imaan is recognized for her commitment to supporting refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons in Nigeria.
Born on April 19, 1980, in Jos, Plateau State, Imaan grew up in Abuja. She attended Aruwa Nursery School and Jabi Primary School, followed by Federal Government Girls College in Bwari for her secondary education.
By age 19, Imaan earned a sociology degree from the University of Abuja. She later completed two master’s degrees in business administration and human resources from Webster University in London by age 21.
After her National Youth Service at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in Kaduna, Imaan worked at the Abuja Geographic Information Systems office and later in human resources and business management in the UK.
A certified SAP consultant, Imaan also served as a senior sales director at Mary Kay. Her public service career in Nigeria began to flourish with roles such as strategic communication adviser to the Minister of State for Education and a member of the Nasarawa State Economic Advisory Council.
In December 2020, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed her as Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
She later served as the Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons until August 2023.
In August 2023, Imaan became the first woman to serve as Minister of State for Police Affairs, where she worked to enhance police services and tackle security challenges. In October 2024, President Tinubu appointed her as the Minister of Women’s Affairs.
In her current role, Imaan champions women’s rights, promotes gender equality, and drives initiatives to empower women across Nigeria. She is married, has three children, and resides in Abuja.
