A critical appraisal of women’s reproductive rights in Nigeria

Abstract

This article examines the existing legal framework in Nigeria on reproductive health rights. It highlights how the dearth of women’s reproductive rights laws in Nigeria continues to stifle the equal and adequate protection of women in family and larger societal contexts. The patriarchal nature of the Nigerian society, coupled with gaps in extant laws on women’s rights, continue to deny women access to services, facilities and platforms which men have unfettered access to. Though studies abound in the area of human rights, the approach is usually purely empirical, medical or portraying a sociological point of view. By determining the highlighted issues, this article aims to postulate a model for the strengthening of the existing legal framework. This article suggests that enacting gender specific reproductive health laws in Nigeria, amending the provisions of the federal and state laws, including creating gender equality policies; and domesticating and implementing the already ratified international laws on gender equality and justice, could further advance the enforcement and protection of women’s reproductive rights in Nigeria.

Keywords: Oil and Gas, Revenue, Law, Institutional Framework