The 2025 Annual General Conference of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria opened in Lagos with a strong call for decisive reforms to advance women’s rights and strengthen access to justice across the country. Delivering a keynote address at the event, Lateef Akangbe, SAN, emphasized the urgency of renewed commitment from legal practitioners, policymakers, and institutions in addressing persistent inequalities affecting women and girls.
The gathering, which attracted leading voices in the legal profession, civil society, and government, provided a platform to highlight pressing issues around gender justice, socio-economic empowerment, and sustainable development. Delegates noted that this year’s theme underscores the evolving role of the legal community in safeguarding women’s rights, reinforcing accountability, and driving systemic change for a more inclusive Nigeria.
Read full statement below;
I was honored to grace the FIDA Nigeria 2025 Annual General Conference in Ikeja, Lagos, where I spoke passionately on the theme: “Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: Women’s Rights, Justice, and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”
The conversations were both inspiring and compelling, underscoring the crucial role of the legal community in advancing women’s rights, strengthening access to justice, and fostering a more sustainable and inclusive future for Nigeria.
It was truly a privilege to witness such thought-provoking engagement and unwavering commitment to women’s inclusion and national development.
Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN
Former Chairman, NBA Lagos Branch
