Introduction Despite years of policy dialogue and global frameworks, Nigerian women still face formidable hurdles in political inclusion, economic opportunity, and access to education. These gaps are not merely gender issues; they represent fundamental development failures. With women holding only 3.9% of seats in the House of Representatives and 3.1% in the Senate in 2023, coupled with 917 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, and a female literacy rate of 59% compared to 74% for males, the figures speak volumes: Nigeria is not doing enough. This article explores the historical, legal, economic, and cultural challenges that continue to limit Nigerian women. It then presents actionable reforms, drawing on global best practices and local realities, to genuinely advance gender equality. Ultimately, women’s empowerment is not just a moral imperative; it is a clear path to good governance, sustainable development, and long-term social stability. Historical and Legal Context Historically, Nigerian women such as Queen Amina of Zazzau and the Aba women protesters of 1929 exercised significant power in governance and trade. However, British colonial structures erased their agency by excluding women from formal political and economic systems. This pattern persisted post-independence. Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution failed to enshrine gender-specific protections or affirmative action measures. It was not until the 2006 National Gender Policy that a 35% affirmative action quota was formally proposed. Despite this, it remains largely unenforced due to lack of political will and insufficient legal backing. Although Nigeria has ratified key international frameworks such as CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol, these …