UK Envoy Backs Nigeria’s New Security Gender Policy!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist
The United Kingdom’s envoy to Nigeria has publicly endorsed the implementation of Nigeria’s newly launched Security Gender Policy II (2026–2030), urging the country’s security agencies to fully adopt the framework to enhance women’s roles in peace, security, and organisational decision-making.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Hill Obe, made the remarks during the inauguration of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Gender Policy II (2026–2030) in Abuja on Tuesday. She stressed that adoption and implementation of the policy are key to translating policy commitments into tangible outcomes on the ground.
According to the UK envoy, a policy achieves real impact only when reflected in day-to-day operational decisions, training, leadership appointments, resourcing, and institutional culture — not merely on paper. She encouraged officers, both male and female, to champion the policy’s goals so it reshapes organisational practices, strengthens accountability, and ensures equal opportunities across ranks.
Obe described the policy as “very inclusive,” noting that it addresses modern challenges such as technology-facilitated gender-based violence and embeds gender-responsive budgeting and monitoring mechanisms within security institutions. She said the policy’s inauguration represents a strong commitment to women’s meaningful participation in peace and security roles.
The UK’s backing underscores the importance of gender-responsive approaches within security frameworks, aligning with international best practices on women, peace, and security. Global frameworks like United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 have long emphasised women’s equal participation in peace and security processes and the protection of women and girls from conflict-related harm. (UN Security Council Resolution 1325)
The envoy also commended the NSCDC for establishing a gender desk to increase women’s representation within the corps and urged Nigerian security institutions to take full ownership of the gender policy, embedding it into everyday strategic planning.
Officials present at the launch said the second iteration of the gender policy builds on lessons from the first, with a stronger focus on inclusivity, accountability, gender-based violence prevention, and support mechanisms for officers and civilians alike.
Citation:
1.Vanguard News
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/uk-envoy-urges-nigerian-security-agencies-to-implement-2026-2030-gender-policy
2.United Nations Security
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Security_Council_Resolution_1325
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