EVALUATING THE INTEGRATION OF WOMEN’S RIGHTS INTO NIGERIAN BUSINESS LAWS AND PRACTICES: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS*

Abstract

Business laws in Nigeria have continued to evolve, with more women venturing into both formal and informal businesses and improving their living standards. Women entrepreneurs have excellent network-building skills, which are valuable both for industry collaborations and investments, and for building international business relationships. However, gender mainstreaming in business law and practice is a significant problem in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, and has not been adequately addressed in Nigerian business practices. This paper investigated whether women's rights are considered when developing business laws in Nigeria. The paper identified laws that present limitations to women, making it difficult to provide a level playing ground for them as it presents to men, in transacting business in Nigeria. Using a doctrinal method, this paper examined relevant business laws and practices relating to recognition of women's rights in the laws regulating businesses in Nigeria. The paper found that some business laws are discriminatory to the effective participation of women in commercial activities. The paper also found that the deep patriarchal orientation of the Nigerian society, supported by traditional customs and religious norms, often undermines the application of laws favoring women. These findings will assist in proffering solutions and offer a proper guide for adequate content for business legislation in Nigeria to enable the integration of women's rights and for better participation in commercial activities in Nigeria.