Nigeria’s immediate past Accountant General, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has called for urgent action to tackle the under-representation of women in the country’s political arena, warning that their exclusion remains a stumbling block to national development.
Speaking at the Ogun East Conference for Women in Sagamu on Saturday, Madein – the first woman to hold the office of Accountant General of the Federation – described Nigerian women as “brilliant, resourceful, resilient and courageous,” insisting they possess the capacity to provide transformative leadership.
Despite making up more than 62% of the population, women account for less than 35% of Nigeria’s political class, far below the UN’s recommended threshold for affirmative action, she noted.
“Women are resilient, courageous, and capable of transforming society through leadership, innovation, and service,” Madein said in remarks shared by her media consultant, Temitope Oyekan. “We certainly need more women to step into politics and leadership positions at all levels to build a more prosperous nation.”
While praising women’s strides in academia, education, public service, and entrepreneurship, Madein urged that similar gains be secured in politics. She also paid tribute to trailblazers from Ogun State, such as Olympic medallist Falilat Ogunkoya, as well as her own barrier-breaking role as the first female Accountant General.
Her intervention adds to a growing chorus of voices pressing for stronger enforcement of Nigeria’s 35% gender inclusion policy, which campaigners say remains largely symbolic without political will
