Stakeholders across government, judiciary, security agencies, traditional institutions, and civil society organizations have thrown their weight behind a proposed law seeking to protect the inheritance rights of women and girls in Plateau State, describing the bill as timely, transformative, and critical to ending decades of gender-based discrimination.
The endorsement came during a public hearing organized by the Plateau State House of Assembly on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, on a bill aimed at regulating and protecting the rights of women and girls to inherit properties, benefits, and privileges from deceased husbands and parents.
The joint hearing, chaired by the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary Matters, Hon. Kalamu Idris Gyang, and Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Sylvester Wallangko, brought together a wide range of stakeholders who made submissions in support of the bill, alongside recommendations for strengthening its provisions.
Hon. Gyang, in his welcome address, emphasized the urgency of the legislation, noting that cultural practices have long deprived women of inheritance rights.
“This bill is for the people of Plateau State… we are very determined to make sure that this bill sees the light of the day,” he said.
He added:
“Women contribute significantly to family wealth and development, yet traditions deprive them of inheritance. This law will correct that imbalance and promote societal growth.”
Co-chairman, Hon. Sylvester Wallangko, described the bill as a solution to long-standing societal issues.
“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 stated.
Government Officials & Traditional Leadership
Esther Simi Dusu, Special Adviser on Social Welfare to the Governor, described the bill as a pathway to empowerment.
“This bill is a form of emancipation… it will enable women to access opportunities and express their God-given potential,” she said.
Commissioner for Lands, Barr. Peter Nyam Gai, highlighted existing policy alignment with the bill.
“This is one of the best laws ever passed… it will address imbalances and injustice and is already aligned with national policy on women’s property ownership,” he noted.
Representing the Gbong Gwom Jos, HRH Paul Tadi Tor raised concerns about customary land.
“We must clearly define the types of property… especially inherited family land versus personally acquired property,” he advised.
Plateau State Ministry of Justice & Judiciary
Itse Izang, Esq., Deputy Director, Legal Drafting, Ministry of Justice, described the bill as necessary and timely.
“This bill is not only desirable but necessary… it is a transformative step toward justice and equality,” she said.
Laval Suleiman, Esq., Acting Chief Registrar, Sharia Court of Appeal, emphasized constitutional considerations.
“Islamic personal law must be clearly accommodated… especially regarding inheritance and jurisdiction,” he noted.
Barr. Sondo S. Fromber of the Plateau State Judiciary raised interpretative concerns.
“Definitions such as ‘widow’ and ‘child’ must be clearly stated to avoid conflict and confusion in implementation,” he said.
Leah Dagung Hassan, Chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association, Jos Branch, stressed the economic importance of the bill.
“If a woman is empowered, the family is empowered… and the society is liberated from poverty,” she said.
Barr. Ismail Lawal of the Public Complaints Commission provided detailed technical recommendations.
“This bill is courageous and necessary… but must be strengthened to ensure it is operationally effective and legally precise,” he stated.
Security & Law Enforcement
DSP Christiana Samuel of the Nigeria Police Force pledged enforcement.
“Once this law is passed, we will ensure it is enforced… it is a welcome development,” she said.
ASC Cyrus David Nanle of the NSCDC highlighted practical challenges and social realities.
“If men can inherit, women should too… fairness must prevail in inheritance matters,” he noted.
Community & Civil Society Organizations
Barr. Olivia Dazyem, Chairperson of the Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, described the bill as historic.
“This bill is about justice, equity, and ensuring no woman is denied her rightful place in the family,” she said.
She added:
“We have seen widows thrown out and impoverished… this law will change that narrative.”
Uko Pincuma of the National Human Rights Commission emphasized human rights implications.
“The right to inherit is fundamental… this bill will strengthen economic security and gender equality,” he stated.
Mankus N. Fyakti, Chairperson of FIDA Plateau, backed strong enforcement.
“We support both ADR and strict penalties… this law will protect women, daughters, and families,” she said.
Amb. Mercy Dung Silas, representing wives of council chairmen, urged public support.
“Protecting women’s inheritance rights does not take away from men… it strengthens families,” she said.
Dahiru Babale Ibrahim of JNI noted alignment with Islamic principles.
“Inheritance is already provided for in Islam… we are in full support of this development,” he stated.
Danjuma Dickson Auta of PIDAN admitted initial resistance but endorsed the bill.
“This bill is long overdue… education has helped us understand its importance,” he said.
Celina N. Ali of NCWS described it as overdue justice.
“Women have been suppressed for decades… now we are standing for our rights,” she said.
A representative of the Norwegian Refugee Council emphasized awareness.
“Inheritance is a right… and awareness must reach every community,” the representative said.
Ayuku Pwaspo, Chairperson of the NUJ Plateau State Council, highlighted the media’s role.
“A strong legal framework will empower accountability and protect victims from silent suffering,” she said.
Delivering closing remarks, Hon. Adamu Aliyu assured stakeholders of swift legislative action.
“Within four weeks, this bill will see the light of the day… all contributions will be harmonized to produce a strong law,” he said.
The proposed law, widely supported across sectors, is expected to mark a significant turning point in addressing gender inequality in inheritance practices and strengthening social justice in Plateau State.
