PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA — The Plateau State House of Assembly, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has launched a legislative initiative aimed at safeguarding the inheritance rights of women and girls in the state. This initiative seeks to confront longstanding cultural practices that have historically barred women from inheriting land and property. A public hearing held at the Assembly complex in Jos on Tuesday, April 14, gathered representatives from various sectors, including the government, judiciary, security agencies, female advocacy groups, traditional institutions, and civil society organizations. Participants expressed strong support for a proposed law that would grant women and girls the legal right to inherit property from their parents and deceased husbands, challenging the prevailing norm that restricts inheritance to male children.
Stakeholders characterized the bill as both timely and transformative, highlighting its potential to eliminate decades of gender-based discrimination in inheritance practices. The proposed legislation aims to regulate and protect women’s rights to inherit property, benefits, and privileges, signifying a significant shift in the legal and cultural landscape of the state. Hon. Kalamu Idris Gyang, Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary Matters, and Hon. Sylvester Wallangko, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, both emphasized the urgency of this legislation. Hon. Gyang remarked that cultural traditions have long deprived women of their rightful inheritance, despite their substantial contributions to family wealth and development. “This bill is for the people of Plateau State. We are very determined to make sure that this bill sees the light of day,” he stated, adding that the law would correct existing imbalances and promote societal growth.
Hon. Wallangko described the bill as a remedy for deep-rooted societal issues that have caused discord within families. “This particular bill will solve a lot of issues that have bedevilled our society; by the time it is enacted, it will be binding on all of us,” he noted. Esther Simi Dusu, Special Adviser on Social Welfare to the Governor, praised the bill as a pathway to the emancipation and empowerment of women. “This bill is a form of emancipation. It will enable women to access opportunities and express their God-given potential,” she stated. Dusu also pointed out that the proposed law aligns with national policy on women’s property ownership and enjoys broad support across various sectors.
The bill has garnered endorsements from multiple sectors and is anticipated to mark a significant turning point in addressing gender inequality in inheritance practices while strengthening social justice in Plateau State. If passed, it would represent a major advancement in ensuring that women and girls in the state have equal rights to inherit property, thereby promoting fairness and equity within society.
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