AN ASSESSEMENT OF THE LEGAL STRUCTURE FOR THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract: This study assess of the legal structure for the protection of women’s rights  in Nigeria. Specifically, the study aimed to  examine the platform provided under the Nigerian law for the protection of women’s rights as well as to study the extent Nigeria has been able to measure up to international standards,  evaluate the enforcement and implementation of such rights; explain how socio-cultural practices contribute to the abuse of women’s rights; and  examine the challenges affecting human rights of women in Nigeria as well as to recommend relevant suggestions for future protection of such rights. The study was carried out using the historical analysis. The findings of the study revealed that a plethora of human rights instruments exist at international and regional levels to promote and protect women’s rights. The question then is how adequate are these laws and instruments in the protection of women’s rights. However, the challenge in this area does not lie in the adequacy of these laws but the actual realization of these rights at national and local levels. The slow pace of advancing the rights of women in Nigeria is indicative of a lack of political and economic will on the part of the government to implement numerous international treaties it has ratified that establish the principle of equality and non-discrimination.  The study thereby recommends that the National Assembly should take steps to incorporate international treaties that Nigeria has ratified into our domestic legal system in order for them to be enforceable. Also, government should develop and promote pragmatic policies for the protection of women rights, and equality between the sexes. Furthermore, continuing advocacy and judicial activism should be encouraged in this area.  Lastly, law reforms should be conducted to review and expunge legislations that are discriminatory.