Women Affairs Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim Unbothered by Staff Protest: “I’m Used to Scandals and Crises”
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has publicly stated that she remains unbothered by the recent protest staged by staff of her ministry. In a town hall meeting held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at the National Centre for Women Development in Abuja, Sulaiman-Ibrahim addressed the protesting workers, emphasizing that as a seasoned politician, she is accustomed to handling scandals and crises. She described the demonstration as an opportunity that has boosted her popularity, assuring the staff that more positives have emerged from the situation than negatives. This response comes just two days after the protest on September 10, where ministry employees locked her out of the office, demanding better welfare and her removal over alleged neglect.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s calm demeanor and optimistic spin on the events have drawn mixed reactions, with some praising her resilience and others questioning the underlying issues of staff dissatisfaction. The incident highlights ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s federal ministries, particularly regarding employee welfare amid economic pressures. As the minister continues to engage with her team, her comments signal a push for unity and focus on President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for women’s empowerment.
The Protest: Staff Lock Out Minister Over Welfare Concerns
The protest erupted on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs headquarters in Abuja’s Central Area. Aggrieved staff, frustrated by prolonged neglect and poor working conditions, blocked the ministry’s gates and chanted solidarity songs while demanding Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s removal. Videos circulating on social media showed the minister being denied entry, with workers holding placards that read “End to Welfare Neglect” and “Remove Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.”
The staff accused the minister of unresponsiveness to their grievances, including unpaid allowances, inadequate welfare packages, and a lack of consultation on key decisions. Reports indicate that the demonstration was organized by union representatives who highlighted issues like delayed promotions, poor office infrastructure, and insufficient support for the ministry’s mandate to uplift women and children. The protesters locked the gates, preventing Sulaiman-Ibrahim from accessing her office, and the standoff lasted several hours before security intervened to de-escalate the situation.
This is not the first time the Ministry of Women Affairs has faced internal unrest. Similar protests occurred under the previous minister, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, who was removed in October 2024 amid controversies. Sulaiman-Ibrahim was appointed as her replacement, bringing her experience from roles like Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and Minister of State for Police Affairs. Despite her background, the staff’s actions suggest persistent systemic issues that have carried over.
Minister’s Response: “I’m Not Angry, I’m Now More Popular”
During the town hall meeting on September 12, Sulaiman-Ibrahim directly addressed the protesters, reassuring them that she harbored no resentment toward their demands. She framed the protest as a publicity boost, stating, “I’m not angry, I’m now more popular.” The minister, drawing from her political experience, noted that she is “used to scandals and crises” and viewed the situation as an opportunity for positive change rather than a setback.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim appealed for unity, urging the workers to respect constituted authority and align with President Tinubu’s agenda for Nigerian women. She assured them that her office has been creative in addressing welfare concerns, having been fully briefed by the Permanent Secretary. The minister highlighted efforts to solve issues like allowances and working conditions, emphasizing the ministry’s structure where the Permanent Secretary plays a key role as an enabler.
In her remarks, Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that the protest had brought more attention to the ministry’s work, potentially attracting support and resources. She called on the staff to focus on collective goals, such as advancing women’s empowerment initiatives, rather than internal divisions. This optimistic approach aims to foster reconciliation, but the minister also acknowledged the need for sustained reforms to address the workers’ grievances effectively.
Background on Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim
Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, born in Jos, Plateau State, and raised in Abuja, has a diverse professional background before entering politics. She holds a degree in Business Administration and worked in human resources and management in the UK, becoming a certified SAP HCM consultant. She also served as a senior sales director at Mary Kay Cosmetics in the UK and was a special adviser on Strategic Communication to a former Minister of Education.
Her public service career includes serving as Director-General of NAPTIP from December 2020 to May 2021, where she focused on combating human trafficking. She was later appointed Minister of State for Police Affairs in 2023, becoming the first female in that role under President Tinubu. In October 2024, she was reassigned to the Ministry of Women Affairs, succeeding Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye amid the latter’s controversies.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s appointment was seen as a fresh start for the ministry, with expectations that her experience in anti-trafficking and police affairs would strengthen efforts on gender-based violence and women’s rights. However, the recent protest indicates that internal management challenges persist, testing her leadership early in the role.
Reactions and Public Discourse
The minister’s response has sparked a range of opinions. Supporters, including some political analysts, commend her composure and view the protest as a catalyst for positive change. On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), users have praised her for turning a negative into a “popularity boost,” with one post stating, “Minister Imaan is handling this like a pro—scandals don’t faze her!” Others highlight her call for unity as a mature approach to resolving labor disputes.
Critics, however, argue that her dismissal of the protest as a mere “scandal” minimizes legitimate staff concerns. Labor unions and civil society groups have called for concrete actions, such as immediate welfare improvements and transparent dialogue. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has not issued an official statement, but representatives have echoed the need for government intervention in federal workers’ conditions amid rising inflation.
Media coverage has been extensive, with outlets like Sahara Reporters and Naija News framing the event as a symptom of broader governance issues in Tinubu’s administration. The Permanent Secretary’s role in briefing the minister has been noted, with some suggesting it could lead to internal restructuring.
Implications for the Ministry and Government
This episode could serve as a turning point for the Ministry of Women Affairs, which is tasked with advancing gender equality, combating violence against women, and supporting vulnerable groups. If Sulaiman-Ibrahim follows through on her assurances, it might lead to improved welfare packages and stronger staff morale, enhancing the ministry’s effectiveness. However, unresolved tensions could escalate, potentially affecting policy implementation and public trust.
For the Tinubu administration, the protest highlights the need to address civil service grievances, especially as economic reforms continue to impact workers. Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s experience in handling crises may position her well to navigate this, but sustained reforms will be key to quelling unrest.
In the long term, her optimistic framing could foster reconciliation, but the ministry must deliver tangible results to rebuild unity. As Nigeria focuses on women’s empowerment under Tinubu’s agenda, incidents like this underscore the importance of internal harmony to achieve broader goals.
Conclusion: A Test of Leadership and Resilience
Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s unbothered stance on the staff protest demonstrates her political savvy and determination to view challenges as opportunities. By assuring workers of her commitment to their welfare and urging focus on national goals, she aims to turn the tide in favor of progress. While the demonstration exposed deep-seated issues within the ministry, her response offers a pathway to resolution. As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of her leadership will be measured by actions that address the protesters’ demands and strengthen the ministry’s role in uplifting Nigerian women. For now, her words serve as a call for unity amid adversity.