The Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission (PLASGEOC), in collaboration with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025, held an advocacy engagement with wives of state legislators on the promotion of women’s housing, land, and property rights. The event took place at Crispan Hotel, Jos.
Delivering the welcome address, Barr. Nalong Gumut, Secretary of PLASGEOC, emphasized that the engagement was designed to deepen awareness and legislative support for women’s property rights, which are often undermined by cultural practices. “This gathering seeks to provide solutions and legislative actions to alleviate the suffering caused by discriminatory practices that deprive women and girls of access to land and housing,” he said.
In her keynote speech, Acting Chairperson of PLASGEOC and Special Adviser to the Governor, Barr. Olivia Dazyam, described the plight of women in the state as heartbreaking. She explained that although national laws and Supreme Court judgments recognize women’s rights to inheritance and property, cultural barriers still deny them access. She urged the legislators’ wives to use their influence to drive change.
“Land is not just soil, and property is not just structure. For many women, these are the foundations of security, livelihood, and dignity. Your voices as wives of legislators are powerful enough to push for local legislation that reflects our realities here in Plateau State,” she stated.
Barr. Nandi Dale, Information Counselling and Legal Assistance Officer at NRC, presented findings from a 2023 Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey conducted in Shendam, Bokkos, and Riyom LGAs. He revealed that widows and divorced women remain the most vulnerable, often evicted or excluded from inheritance despite statutory protections. “Law reform, awareness, and inclusive dispute resolution are urgent steps needed to protect women’s housing, land, and property rights,” Dale said.
Also speaking, NRC Consultant, Obioma Ngozi Achilefu (Esq.), explained the draft inheritance bill being developed for Plateau State. He stressed that the bill was not intended to uproot cultural values but to correct harmful practices. “The aim of this bill is not to dismantle traditions but to prune customs where they trample on individual rights,” he noted.
In a goodwill message, Mrs. Mercy Naanlong Daniel, Wife of the Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly, assured the commission of their support. “We occupy a unique position as wives of legislators, and we are ready to partner with the commission. We will encourage our spouses to prioritize policies that protect women’s rights,” she pledged.
Similarly, Mrs. Naanpoe Joseph Bukar, wife of the Shendam constituency representative, commended the timeliness of the advocacy. “This engagement has given me more knowledge on how to support my husband in prioritizing bills that encourage justice and fairness for women in our society,” she said.
During the interactive session, participants shared personal experiences and raised concerns about cultural norms, inheritance conflicts, and challenges with next-of-kin documentation. They emphasized the need for continued awareness campaigns and workshops to equip women with knowledge on property rights and inheritance.
The session ended with a renewed commitment from legislative wives to serve as advocates and partners in promoting women’s housing, land, and property rights across Plateau State.
