Analysis of the Legality of Gender Specific Provisions under Nigerian Law: A Review of Specific Legislations

Abstract

 Section 42 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As amended) prohibits discrimination on various grounds including sex, ethnicity, religion, etc. In Nigeria, some laws and practices disproportionately affect women, while others aim to promote gender equality. Some laws contain provisions violating the prohibition on discrimination as provided for in the Constitution. The Constitution itself is not exempted from this anomaly as some of its provisions also violate the express prohibition on discrimination. This has led to a disparity in gender equality as practiced in the workplace in Nigeria. This work aims to examine the legality of some of these gender specific provisions in our laws in light of the very specific provisions of the Constitution.