A coalition of Muslim women's organisations in Nigeria has renewed its urgent call for an end to discrimination against women who wear the hijab, urging governments, institutions, and society at large to uphold constitutional rights and judicial protections for religious freedom.
The appeal was made during a press briefing held on January 29, 2026, at the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque Hall in Ikeja, in commemoration of World Hijab Day.
Representatives from groups including the Hijab Rights Advocacy Initiative (HRAI) and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN) highlighted ongoing violations, including harassment in schools, workplaces, airports, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other public spaces.
Mutiat Orolu-Balogun, Executive Director of HRAI, emphasized that the hijab represents faith, dignity, and unity for millions of Muslim women worldwide, and should not be a grounds for exclusion or prejudice.
"Despite clear constitutional guarantees under Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects freedom of religion, hijab wearing women continue to face denial of rights and opportunities," Orolu-Balogun stated.
She called for immediate enforcement of court rulings that affirm these protections, including landmark decisions from the Supreme Court.
Hajia Kudrah Omotola Ogunmuyiwa, speaking on behalf of FOMWAN, drew attention to the plight of Igbo Muslim women in Eastern Nigeria, who face compounded discrimination due to the intersection of ethnic identity and religious practice.
She described recent incidents of verbal abuse, economic boycotts, physical intimidation, and denial of services as "alarming" and a threat to national unity, referencing alleged hateful statements by individuals like Mazi Kanayo.
Ogunmuyiwa also highlighted the additional challenges faced by Muslim women with disabilities, advocating for inclusive policies that address these vulnerabilities.
The coalition further sought partnerships with media outlets, such as Media Trust Group, to amplify advocacy efforts and raise awareness about hijab rights. They urged all stakeholders to foster an environment of tolerance and equality, ensuring that no woman is marginalized based on her choice to wear the hijab.
This renewed call aligns with global efforts on World Hijab Day, observed annually on February 1, to promote understanding and combat stereotypes surrounding the hijab.