FIDA NG Plateau

On the 21st of May 2026, FIDA Nigeria convened a High-Level Consultation with Women Judicial Officers in Jos Plateau State on the theme: “Probing Women’s Career Progression and Leadership Pathways in the Judiciary.”

The engagement brought together women judicial officers to examine barriers, challenges, and opportunities affecting women’s entry, retention, advancement, and leadership within the judiciary.

In her address, FIDA Nigeria Country Vice President/National President,represented by the Chairperson of FIDA Plateau, Naankus N.Fyaktu,emphasized the need for institutional reforms to promote gender equity and strengthen women’s inclusion in judicial leadership. She highlighted persistent challenges such as gender bias, limited access to leadership opportunities, and structural barriers that continue to affect women’s progression within the justice sector.

The Program Officer of FIDA Nigeria,Abu Ayuba, presented data on the underrepresentation of women in the judiciary and called for strengthened institutional systems, mentorship, leadership development, and gender-responsive policies to bridge existing gaps.

The consultation provided a safe platform for honest dialogue and evidence gathering to support advocacy for a more inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive judiciary in Nigeria.

On the 27th of April 2026, the Chairperson of FIDA Plateau, Naankus N.Fyaktu,led FIDA team to a courtesy visit to the most Senior Female High Court Judge in the Plateau State Judiciary, Hon. Justice Nafisat Lawal.

Her Lordship received us warmly and graciously. During the visit, our Chairperson, delivered the courtsey visit message on behalf of FIDA.

In her response, My Lord commended FIDA members for their unwavering commitment to providing legal aid and support to indigent women and children. She encouraged FIDANs to remain steadfast in our selfless service, reminding us that every sacrifice made in the pursuit of justice and humanity carries it's reward.

The visit was both inspiring and enriching, and we left with renewed motivation to continue advancing the cause of women, children, and the vulnerable in our society.

The Chairperson of FIDA Plateau State Branch, Naankus N.Fyaktu Esq,led a delegation of FIDA members on a consultative visit to the Honourable Chief Judge of Plateau State, Hon. Justice D. G. Mann, on 28th April, 2026 at the High Court of Justice Complex Jos.

FIDA delegation was warmly received by the Honourable Chief Judge in the company of the Chief Registrar and other Management Staff of the Plateau State Judiciary.
Following introductions by both parties, the Chairperson expressed appreciation to the Honourable Chief Judge for granting the audience and for his continued support towards the mandate and activities of FIDA. She further briefed His Lordship extensively on FIDA Nigeria's new project titled “Strengthening Women Inclusion and Advancement in the Nigerian Judiciary Through Institutional Reform,” currently being implemented by FIDA Nigeria with support from Co-Impact.

During the engagement, the Chairperson sought the support and collaboration of the Honourable Chief Judge, particularly in his dual capacity as Chief Judge and Chairman of the Plateau State Judicial Service Commission, towards the successful implementation of the project. She handed over the concept note of the project to the Hon.CJ and made a formal request for a list reflecting the target number of Judicial Officers to participate in FIDA’s planned engagement with women judges scheduled for 21st May 2026, subject to His Lordship’s approval and convenience.

In his response, the Honourable Chief Judge commended the initiative and spoke extensively on the importance of strengthening women’s inclusion and advancement within the judiciary. He said that the Plateau State Judiciary has greatly improved in terms of the number of women serving in the Judiciary and pledged his support and collaboration,towards achieving the objectives of the project.
The visit ended on a cordial note with a group photograph.

It's another impactful time of the month again. FIDANs are invited to keep a date with us later today.

FIDANs are hereby invited to join
our children's day outreach tomorrow.Details are as contained on the flier.

FIDA Nigeria, Plateau State Branch, held an Experiential Learning Forum for Law Enforcement Agencies on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Prevention on May 20, 2026, at Emerald Resorts and Gardens, Jos.

The forum, themed “Promoting Gender Sensitive Cultures in Law Enforcement Agencies towards Preventing Gender Based Violence,” brought together key stakeholders including the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, NAPTIP, NAWOJ, National Human Rights Commission, Plateau State Gender and Equal Opportunities Commission, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the FIDA Nigeria Country Vice President/National President, Mrs. Eliana Martins, the Plateau State Chairperson, Barr. Nankus Fyaktu, stressed the need to move from reactive responses to proactive prevention of GBV through collaboration, learning, and stronger institutional support.

Participants engaged in practical discussions on the challenges affecting the implementation of laws such as the VAPP Act, Child Rights Act, and ACJA, while identifying harmful cultural norms, manipulation of justice processes, and weak enforcement systems as major barriers to justice for victims.

Resource person, Dr. Gad Shamaki, called on stakeholders, government, and the public to strengthen advocacy, awareness, protection systems, and support for survivors of GBV.

The forum ended with a collective call for stronger collaboration among institutions and a renewed commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.

REPORT ON PUBLIC SENSITIZATION OF THE ACJL AND OTHER COMPLIMENTARY LAWS AGAINST TORTURE ORGANISED BY ROLAC AND International IDEA ON THE 17th DAY OF APRIL 2026.

The community of Angwan Baki, Dadin Kowa, Jos South LGA, Plateau State, were enlightened and educated on Citizens rights under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law(ACJL) 2018, Anti- Torture Act and other Laws which was anchored by JSRT Representative as well as on Arrest, Detention and Police Conduct which the NPF took the session.
In line with FIDA’s mandate and seeing that the women of that community came out in their numbers to gain knowledge FIDA Plateau represented by LAURETTA Y. CHALLA and SHALOM C. NSON buttress on the rights of women when in Police custody as they can only be searched by a Female Police officer, they can not be detained in the same cell with male suspects,they should be informed of the offence they committed before arrest and a woman can stand as a surety/seek for bail at the Police Station.
Other organisations present who also contributed to the topic of the event were Legal Aid, Human Rights commission, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Community heads etc.
Question, Answers and comments were accommodated to further clarify grey areas.
The event came to an end with community head appreciation and plea for continuous education of the Laws to the populace as well as a closing prayer.

Report compiled by:
L.Y.CHALLA Esq.