by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State House of Assembly has opened a one-day public hearing on a Bill for a Law to provide for the protection and regulation of the Rights of Women and Girls in Plateau State – to Inherit the Property, Benefits, and Privileges of Deceased Husbands, Parents and for other related Matters 2025.
The bill was sponsored by Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, who is Member Representing Mikang Constituency, with Co-sponsors Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listcik, Hon. Wallangko Ibrahim Sylvanus and Hon. Eli Ankala Bako.
While addressing the people at the public hearing, Kalamu Dal, who chairs the Committee on Judiciary Ethics and Privileges, noted that “The bill becomes necessary to address the continuous injustice suffered by girls and women, which is often backed by ‘cultural’ practices.”
This bill seeks to protect and regulate the inheritance rights of women and children in Plateau State, in line with Section 42(1&2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as altered.
He said, “The bill also guarantees their right to inherit the self-acquired property, benefits and privileges of a deceased husband or father, who dies in the state and other properties accruing to him, while preserving the customary principle.”
According to him, the bill also makes provision for: equitable distribution of property among widows, children, parents, and siblings; dispute resolution by mediation through the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, with jurisdiction vested in the High Court, Family Court, and Area Courts; offences and penalties to deter unlawful disinheritance and mismanagement of estates.
In addition, he said the role of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission and other relevant Agencies is centered on sensitization, legal aid, and community outreach.
The Chairman further explained that, “By enacting this Bill, Plateau State affirms its commitment to gender equity, family justice, and the protection of vulnerable of the society.”
Also, the Chairman of the Committee on Women affairs and Social Development, Sylvester Wallanko, noted that the bill, if passed and assented to, will solve a lot of cultural issues that have bedeviled several families.
Speaking also, Chairperson for Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission Plateau State, Olivia Daziam, in her submission maintained that, “The bill will bring succor to girls and women. No individual should be denied entitlement on the basis of sex, age, or circumstances of birth.
“We have identified some minor topographical and structural issues and have submitted suggestions, recommendations, and a memorandum to assist the committee in its deliberations,” she noted.
According to her, “This engagement presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen family justice, protect vulnerable persons, and promote gender equity. We, therefore, urge all stakeholders to support this bill.”
While appreciating the Speaker and all Members of the Assembly for their commitment to advancing this cause, Olivia Daziam also affirmed their strong support and confidence that they are on the right trajectory towards passing this bill into law and ensuring its effective implementation, saying, “Together, we can build a more just and equitable society for all.
“This bill is not just about inheritance; it is about justice. It is about equity. It is about ensuring that no woman or girl is denied her rightful place within her family,” she stated.
Chairman, Plateau State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ayuku Pwaspo, while presenting a Memorandum on behalf of the Council, disclosed that journalists have encountered several cases of injustice against women, and called for stiff implementation mechanisms.
According to her, “Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, states that: ‘The Press, Radio, Television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives in this chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people,’ while Section 22 places a responsibility on the media to ensure transparency, good governance and public awareness.”
“As journalists, we have had the privilege and, sometimes, the burden of documenting the lived realities of many women and girls across our communities.
“We have encountered stories of widows dispossessed of their homes, daughters denied inheritance simply because of their gender, and families plunged into deeper poverty due to discriminatory practices that have no place in a just and modern society,” she noted.
According to her, “From a media perspective, the absence of clear legal protections has often led to silent suffering. Many victims do not speak out due to fear, stigma, or lack of awareness. Where laws are weak, justice becomes difficult to pursue, and impunity thrives.
“A strong legal framework will not only protect victims but also empower the media and to hold violators accountable.
“However, passing this bill is only the first step; its implementation will require deliberate efforts, public awareness campaigns, community engagement, and collaboration with traditional and religious leaders to ensure that the law is understood, accepted, and respected at all levels.
“We have made some observations and suggestions on the proposed bill. But for the sake of this public hearing, we took particular interest in Clause 4 … ‘DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE’ and noted that the lived-reality of Female-headed households is not recognized.”
She called on stakeholders to give this bill the serious consideration it deserves and to act in the interest of justice and equity.
The Co-sponsor of the Bill, Daniel Nanbol, assured stakeholders that the Committee will ensure that the various recommendations are implemented, in accordance with global standards.
A member of the committee, Adamu Aliyu, also assured that the 10th Assembly will ensure the bill sees the light of the day.
Stakeholders at the engagement include, Traditional Rulers, Ministries of women Affairs, Justice, Lands and Surveys, the Judiciary, FIDA, NBA, NHRC, PIDAN, Federation of Muslim Women, Public Complaint Commission, NCWS, JNI, and Association of Local Government Council Chairmen Wives, among others.
The Gender Commission Chairperson, Barr. Olivia Dazem, stressed that, “As earlier noted, we have identified some minor topographical and structural issues and have submitted suggestions, recommendations, and a memorandum to assist the committee in its deliberations.”