Nigerian Muslim Women Mark World Hijab Day, Demand End to Discrimination
The Coalition of Muslim Women Groups in Nigeria has called for full enforcement of legal protections for hijab-wearing women in the country, as it joins millions worldwide in commemorating the 2025 World Hijab Day under the theme “Hijabis Unsilenced.”
The coalition comprises diverse Muslim women’s organizations dedicated to promoting the rights, dignity, and empowerment of Muslim women across Nigeria. Through education, advocacy, and interfaith engagement, it strives to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
The coalition includes:
1.Al-Muminaat (The Believing Women Organisation)
2.Nasru-llahi-l-Fathi (NASFAT) Society
3.Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative
4.Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSS) Lagos State Area Unit
5.Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) Lagos
6.The Criterion Lagos District
7.International Muslim Women Union (IMWU)
8.Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN)
9.Lagos Secretariat Community Central Mosque
10.Muslim Public Affairs Center (MPAC)
11.Akhwaat Muslimat Organization, Lagos
12.Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)
13.Guild of Muslim Professionals
14.Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria
15.Pure Heart Islamic Foundation
16.An-Nujabau Female Forum
17.Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN)
18.Izharul Haq Movement of Nigeria
At a press briefing held at the Lagos State Secretariat Community Mosque Hall, Alausa, Ikeja, the coalition condemned ongoing discrimination against Muslim women despite constitutional guarantees and a landmark Supreme Court ruling affirming their right to wear the hijab.
They decried violations in schools, workplaces, and public institutions, citing cases of forced hijab removal by security agencies and discriminatory policies in certain military institutions.
Ongoing Violations Despite Legal Protections
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in Miss Asiyat AbdulKareem & Anor v. Lagos State, which upheld the hijab as a fundamental right, some schools continue to restrict its use. The coalition revealed that some teachers force Muslim students to tuck in their hijabs, while others face harassment during external examinations like WAEC.
The group commended the Lagos State Government for its proactive stance in addressing these violations but criticized Ogun and Oyo states for failing to ensure compliance. It urged the Ministry of Education to sanction school authorities that flout court rulings.
Similarly, the coalition condemned reports of forceful hijab removal by police officers during arrests, calling it an assault on the dignity of Muslim women. Citing a recent case of a young woman forced to strip off her hijab and jilbab during an arrest, they urged the Nigerian Police Force to train officers on religious tolerance.
Challenges in the Nigerian Military and Public Institutions
The coalition also criticized the Nigerian Navy for failing to align with the Army and Air Force in allowing hijabs as part of official uniforms. Despite a memo from the Minister of State for Defence permitting hijabs in naval schools, the directive has yet to be implemented.
Additionally, women in niqab (face veil) continue to face exclusion from public services, and biometric data collection agencies reportedly violate established guidelines by insisting on full unveiling, despite provisions allowing religious head coverings.
Celebrating Muslim Women’s Achievements
Despite these challenges, the coalition highlighted remarkable achievements of hijabi women, including Dr. Aminat Ige, who won the Best PhD Thesis in Mathematics at the University of Lagos, and 18 hijabi graduates who earned first-class degrees in Mass Communication.
The group announced a series of events to mark World Hijab Day 2025, including:
•A solidarity walk on February 1
•An online sensitization campaign
•An “I Inspire with Hijab” event, featuring success stories of Muslim women overcoming discrimination
Call for Policy Action and Solidarity
The coalition urged policymakers, law enforcement, and service providers to:
1.Enforce the Supreme Court ruling on hijab rights in schools and workplaces.
2.Publicize policies protecting hijab-wearing women to enhance awareness.
3.Train police officers to respect religious attire during arrests.
4.Ensure inclusivity in the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies.
5.Guarantee non-discriminatory access to public services for women in hijab and niqab.
6.Respect privacy during biometric data collection, ensuring female officials handle hijabi women.
As the coalition marked World Hijab Day 2025, it called on Nigerians to stand in solidarity with Muslim women and advocate for their right to live, work, and practice their faith without fear or prejudice.
