Nigeria Wins Seat on UN Women’s Rights Committee

Nigeria has secured a seat on the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), a prominent global body responsible for monitoring the implementation of the international treaty promoting women's rights and gender equality. The election took place at the United Nations headquarters, where Nigeria garnered 123 votes from member states.

This victory positions Nigeria among 12 countries elected to serve on the influential committee. Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, announced the outcome, describing it as a significant diplomatic milestone. He extended congratulations to Nigeria's First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and all Nigerian women, calling the international recognition well-deserved.

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I heartily congratulate the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and indeed all Nigerian women on this remarkable victory.

Ibrahim emphasized that Nigeria's successful election demonstrates the international community's confidence in the nation's commitment to advancing women's rights, welfare, and empowerment. The election saw Sri Lanka receive the highest number of votes with 144, followed closely by Egypt (141) and Uganda (140). Other successful candidates included Mongolia (136), Canada (135), Estonia (133), Azerbaijan (133), Cuba (128), Spain (125), Nigeria (123), Mexico (119), and Antigua and Barbuda (118).

Several nations failed to secure a seat, including Mozambique (103 votes), Gabon (101), South Africa (73), Burkina Faso (61), Niger (58), Benin (56), Namibia (55), and Albania (44). The CEDAW is one of the world's foremost international human rights treaties.

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the West African country’s successful election into the UN CEDAW was a clear demonstration of the confidence the international community reposes in Nigeria’s commitment to advancing the rights, welfare and empowerment of women.