Gender Equality Opportunity (GEO) Bill: Senate Committed To Women Empowerment, Says Saraki

Nigerian Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday reiterated the commitment of the 8th Senate towards the advancement and empowerment of women in all spheres of the country.

Saraki, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Gender Advocacy, Fatima Kakuri, said the red chamber will also ensure the eradication of all discrimination against women through the Gender Equality Opportunity (GEO) Bill now being considered by the lawmakers.

The statement reads in part: "The Gender Equality Opportunity (GEO) Bill , which initially suffered some set back at its second reading has been reworked to reflect the broader views that were hitherto not accommodated and submitted to the Senate President. As promised earlier by Senate President, we are glad to announce to the public that the bill was formally presented and scaled first reading on the floor of the Senate.
"In line with the 8th Senate's commitment to enhance the cause of women by eliminating all forms of discrimination against women, we hope the bill will enjoy expedited action in the form of accelerated hearing and hopefully passage into law. We expect support for this bill to cut across all party lines in reflection of the consensus that has been built into it even as it goes through the second reading.

"Once again the 8th Senate wishes to reiterate its commitment to the advancement and empowerment of women through its action, not just by proclamations, and hopes that the actions it takes will reflect this position."

Also today, the 8th Senate was able to keep its promise to pass the Public Procurement Amendment Bill.

This amendment will mandate all ministries, departments and agencies to give first option priority to Nigerian businesses in the procurement process.

This amendment will also support the implementation of the 2016 budget by slashing the days for processing contracts in half.


According to the Senate President, "This amendment will also encourage those who have chosen to invest in Nigeria. As we promote ‘Buy in Nigeria’, we must also promote ‘Make in Nigeria."

In this regard the Public Procurement Bill is aimed at making our procurement system work on behalf of all Nigerians, support the implementation of the budget, and stimulate the growth of the Nigerian economy by creating more opportunities for small and medium scale business owners.

"It is our hope that a substantial percentage of the N6 Trillion in the 2016 Budget will be retained in Nigeria and in the pockets of Nigerians." said senator Saraki.