Activist lawyer Maduabuchi Idam has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider appointing women to head Nigeria’s security agencies. In a statement released on June 8, 2025,
Idam emphasised that the inclusion of women in top security roles is not only legal but could bring a fresh and effective approach to tackling the nation’s growing insecurity.
Idam argued that Nigeria is currently facing serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes, and that the country has seen little progress using traditional, male-dominated leadership in these areas.
He stated that it is time for the president to adopt new strategies, one of which should be promoting qualified women to leadership roles within the security sector.
He expressed concern over what he described as a “prejudicial conspiracy” within both political and civil society circles that continuously excludes women from such roles.
Idam noted that despite strong advocacy for gender equality in various areas, women’s representation in national security leadership remains notably absent. He urged women’s rights groups to actively campaign for more inclusion in the country’s security architecture.
Legally, Idam explained, no provision prevents women from occupying top security positions. He questioned why qualified women are rarely considered for these roles, despite undergoing the same rigorous training and demonstrating equal capability as their male counterparts.
He dismissed the notion that physical strength is the key requirement for leadership in security, asserting instead that intelligence, strategy, and sound decision-making are the most vital attributes.
Idam further suggested that female leadership could bring consistency, discipline, and improved governance to Nigeria’s security agencies, contrasting this with the current state of affairs, which he believes shows a lack of innovation and progress.
He concluded by urging President Tinubu to make bold, inclusive decisions that reflect the constitutional commitment to equality and national security.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
