Discontent is boiling over at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, where staff have accused Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim of arrogance, neglect, and poor leadership.
The protest, staged at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, saw staff chanting and booing, with many alleging that the minister has done little to support day-to-day operations.
Workers claimed the women affairs ministry has been starved of even basic tools like stationery, while the minister reportedly retains over 25 special assistants.
“We don’t have working tools. Even paper is unavailable. We often spend our own money to work. When we complain, she tells us to go and meet President Tinubu,” said staff member Anne Ojubele.
Another employee, Alake Success, accused Sulaiman-Ibrahim of being inaccessible: “She refuses to mingle with staff. Democracy is about access to leaders, but she thinks she is above us. All we want is for her to be posted elsewhere.”
In response, the ministry issued a statement insisting that staff must express grievances within professional limits. Signed by Jonathan Eze, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the statement defended the minister as a certified Human Resource Manager who prioritises welfare and professional development “within available resources.”
It also clarified that financial and administrative matters fall under the Permanent Secretary, who is responsible for addressing grievances and providing solutions.
