By Joy Omagha Idam
Nigeria has recorded another significant diplomatic and gender equality milestone with the successful re-election of Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), reinforcing the country’s growing influence in shaping global policies on the rights of women and girls.
The victory, secured during a keenly contested election held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 26, 2026, has been widely celebrated as a testament to Nigeria’s strategic diplomacy and unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The victory, secured during a keenly contested election held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 26, 2026, has been widely celebrated as a testament to Nigeria’s strategic diplomacy and unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia on her re-election, describing it as a proud moment for Nigeria and a strong endorsement of the country’s commitment to gender equality. In his message, the President said her victory reflects the confidence of the international community in Nigeria’s leadership and urged her to continue to champion the rights, dignity and empowerment of women and girls across the world.
It also credited the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for placing women, children, families and vulnerable groups at the centre of national development, adding that the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development has further strengthened Nigeria’s international reputation in advancing inclusive governance.
he Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the re-election as a national achievement that reflects Nigeria’s credibility, leadership and sustained advocacy for the protection and empowerment of women and girls both at home and on the global stage.
The Ministry noted that the achievement builds on the landmark successes recorded at the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) held in New York in March 2025, where Nigeria convened a high-level event that culminated in the signing of commitments by Edo, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Imo, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun and Zamfara States as CEDAW Cities.
According to the Ministry, the initiative represents a major shift from international commitments to practical implementation at the grassroots, with participating states pledging to strengthen protection for women and girls, expand access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, while promoting greater accountability in governance.
The re-election of Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia, the Ministry stated, goes beyond personal accomplishment. It reflects the success of a coordinated national effort involving federal and state governments, development partners, civil society organisations, technical experts and diplomatic missions working collectively to project Nigeria’s commitment to gender justice.
The Ministry explained that months of diplomatic consultations, bilateral engagements, strategic lobbying and international negotiations culminated in the successful outcome, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations playing pivotal roles throughout the process.
It also credited the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for placing women, children, families and vulnerable groups at the centre of national development, adding that the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Families and Social Development has further strengthened Nigeria’s international reputation in advancing inclusive governance.
The statement further paid glowing tribute to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Initiative continues to empower thousands of women across the country through skills acquisition, enterprise support and livelihood programmes that transcend political, ethnic and religious boundaries.
Special appreciation was equally extended to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator (Dr.) Jimoh Ibrahim, and members of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission for their professionalism and relentless engagement that secured the country’s victory.
The Ministry reaffirmed that the international recognition must translate into measurable improvements in the lives of Nigerian women and girls through stronger legal reforms, expanded economic opportunities, improved protection systems and enhanced institutional accountability.
Meanwhile, the National Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, has consistently advocated for stronger implementation of policies that promote women’s rights, gender equality and increased participation of women in leadership and decision-making.
The Ministry’s renewed commitment to implementing CEDAW aligns with the aspirations of women advocates and professional bodies such as NAWOJ, which continue to amplify the voices of women across Nigeria.
Congratulating Mrs. Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia on her well-deserved re-election, the Ministry expressed confidence that she would continue to serve with distinction, integrity and professionalism while strengthening Nigeria’s voice within the global gender equality architecture.
It reiterated its commitment to working with all stakeholders—including government institutions, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, the media and the private sector—to ensure that the principles of CEDAW are translated into tangible benefits for every Nigerian woman and girl.
Describing the re-election as a victory for every Nigerian woman and girl, the Ministry stressed that the achievement demonstrates what is possible when visionary leadership, strategic diplomacy, technical expertise and national unity converge in pursuit of a common goal.
As Nigeria celebrates yet another milestone on the global stage, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs reaffirmed its resolve to deepen collaboration with stakeholders to ensure that equality, dignity, justice and inclusion remain at the heart of national development, while sustaining the country’s leadership in advancing the rights of women and girls worldwide.