ActionAid Nigeria Calls for a Thorough Investigation into Recent Sexual Harassment Allegations in the National Assembly

Press Statement

For Immediate Release

ActionAid Nigeria Calls for a Thorough Investigation into Recent Sexual Harassment Allegations in the National Assembly

Abuja, 28th February 2025 – ActionAid Nigeria is appalled by the recent allegations of sexual harassment within the National Assembly—the nation's lawmaking body. These allegations raise serious concerns about abuse of power and the need for stronger institutional safeguards against harassment and misconduct. ActionAid Nigeria has a strong commitment to gender justice and these allegations strike at the core of human dignity, justice, and accountability in our society. When there is a proven case of sexual harassment, ActionAid’s stance is always in support of the survivor. Thus, we demand a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation to ensure fairness and uphold human rights. These allegations point to a potential abuse of power and a culture of impunity, which must not be ignored.

As a pillar of democracy and governance, the National Assembly must adopt and uphold ‘zero tolerance’ for harassment and abuse of power, especially against women in leadership. The recurrence of sexual harassment allegations against a sitting Senator highlights the urgent need for an independent and transparent investigation—not just for the individuals involved, but for the integrity of Nigeria’s legislature.

Speaking in Abuja, ActionAid Nigeria’s Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, stated that:
" For fairness and to maintain public trust in the process, the Code of Conduct Bureau and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) must work alongside the National Assembly’s Ethics Committee to conduct a full-scale investigation that meets international human rights standards. This investigation must determine the veracity of both past and recent allegations and ensure accountability for any wrongdoing. At the same time, if the accusations are found to be false or politically motivated, this must also be taken seriously, as false claims undermine genuine cases of harassment and the fight for justice."

Mr. Mamedu further emphasized that:
‘‘This team must also strengthen institutional safeguards within the National Assembly to prevent sexual harassment, including mechanisms for anonymous reporting, independent investigations, and clear punitive measures for offenders. Additionally, protection for whistleblowers and those who come forward with allegations must be reinforced to prevent intimidation or retaliation, including possible online bullying."

ActionAid Nigeria maintains that this is not a matter of political alignment or party affiliation—it is a matter of justice, human rights, and system strengthening. Nigeria’s democratic institutions must be safe spaces for all, where women and men can lead and participate without fear of harassment or intimidation.

The credibility of the National Assembly is at stake. Failure to investigate and address these allegations will reinforce harmful gender biases, deter women’s political participation, and erode public trust in governance. 

Signed:
Andrew Mamedu
Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria

Editors' notes 

ActionAid Nigeria is a national non-governmental, non-partisan, non-religious, civil society organisation, and an affiliate member of the ActionAid International Federation with presence in 45 countries. It works in solidarity with people living in poverty and exclusion to achieve social justice, gender equality and poverty eradication towards achieving a just, equitable and sustainable world in which every person enjoys the right to a life of dignity, freedom from poverty and all forms of oppression. 

CONTACT: Oluwakemi Akinremi-Segun - Communications Coordinator | ActionAid Nigeria Tel: +234(0)8092076904 | Email: Oluwakemi.AkinremiSe@actionaid.org | Info.nigeria@actionaid.org | Website: nigeria.actionaid.org| Facebook: ActionAid Nigeria Twitter: @ActionAidNG