The Plateau State House of Assembly has begun moves to ensure equal inheritance rights for women and girls, as stakeholders across the state expressed strong support for a proposed bill aimed at ending gender-based discrimination in property ownership.
The development came during a public hearing held at the Assembly complex in Jos on Tuesday, April 14, where participants drawn from government, judiciary, security agencies, traditional institutions, and civil society organisations gathered to deliberate on the bill.
The proposed legislation seeks to protect the rights of women and girls to inherit lands, properties, and other benefits from their parents and deceased husbands, challenging long-standing cultural practices that favour male children.
Stakeholders at the hearing described the bill as timely and transformative, noting that it would address years of injustice and inequality in inheritance practices across the state.
Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary Matters, Hon. Kalamu Idris Gyang, said the Assembly is determined to ensure the bill becomes law.
“This bill is for the people of Plateau State. We are very determined to make sure that this bill sees the light of day,” he said.
He added that the legislation is necessary to correct the imbalance created by cultural traditions that deny women their rightful inheritance.
“Women contribute significantly to family wealth and development, yet traditions deprive them of inheritance. This law will correct that imbalance and promote societal growth,” Gyang stated.
Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Sylvester Wallangko, described the bill as a solution to long-standing disputes within families.
“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 noted.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Social Welfare, Esther Simi Dusu, also supported the bill, describing it as a major step toward empowering women.
“This bill is a form of emancipation. It will enable women to access opportunities and express their God-given potential,” she said.
She further explained that the proposed law aligns with national policies on women’s property ownership and will help address longstanding injustices.
Participants at the hearing also made recommendations to strengthen the bill, reflecting broad support across different sectors.
If passed into law, the bill is expected to promote equality, reduce family conflicts, and ensure women and girls are no longer excluded from inheritance rights.
The Plateau State House of Assembly assured that it will carefully review all submissions to ensure the bill serves the interest of justice and inclusive development in the state.
