RismadarVoice Reporters, April 15, 2026
The Plateau State House of Assembly, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has initiated moves to strengthen legal protections for women’s and girls’ inheritance rights across the state.
At a public hearing held in Jos, lawmakers, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, women’s rights advocates examined a proposed bill aimed at addressing persistent gender discrimination in inheritance and property ownership, particularly under customary practices that often exclude women from accessing family assets.
The proposed legislation seeks to guarantee equal inheritance rights for women, enabling them to inherit property from both parents and spouses in line with constitutional provisions on non-discrimination.
Stakeholders at the hearing called for urgent reforms to align customary laws with statutory protections, noting that entrenched cultural norms have historically limited women’s access to inheritance, especially in rural communities.
They also stressed the importance of establishing strong enforcement mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of the law, prevent it from being weakened by cultural resistance or poor implementation.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Plateau State Government to advance gender equality, reduce poverty among women, and promote social justice.
Lawmakers expressed optimism that, after incorporating public input, the bill will progress through subsequent legislative stages and potentially emerge as a landmark law for the protection of women’s rights in the state.
