The World Bank has stated that Nigeria's economic growth is being constrained by the weak enforcement of gender equality laws and the absence of adequate parenthood support policies. This assessment was highlighted in the World Bank's Women, Business and the Law 2026 report, published on February 27, 2026.

According to the report, Nigeria scores 50 out of 100 on the existence of gender equality laws. However, the score plummets to just 21.7 out of 100 when evaluating the systems required to implement these laws, including funding, services, and institutional support. This significant disparity indicates a substantial gap between legal frameworks and their practical application.

The report further reveals that Nigeria scores zero out of 100 on parenthood policies. This is attributed to the lack of federally mandated paid maternity leave of at least 14 weeks, the absence of paid paternity leave, and insufficient protections against the dismissal of pregnant workers. The World Bank warns that these gaps between legislation and enforcement are creating “huge opportunity gaps” that undermine productivity in developing economies.

Indermit Gill, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President for Development Economics at the World Bank Group, noted the discrepancy between laws on paper and their enforcement. He stated, “On paper, most countries are doing reasonably well: the average country scores 67 out of 100 on the adequacy of laws to enable economic equality between women and men. But when it comes to enforcing the laws, the average score drops to 53. And when the systems needed to implement those rights are assessed, the adequacy score is just 47. These numbers reflect huge opportunity gaps.”

The World Bank's report underscores that globally, only 4 percent of women reside in economies that exhibit near-full legal equality. The absence of structured childcare systems, paid parental leave, and enforceable equal pay provisions in Nigeria weakens female labor force retention, consequently limiting the country’s ability to fully utilize its demographic potential.

Specifically, the report states that Nigeria lacks federal laws mandating at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, paid paternity leave, or explicit prohibitions against the dismissal of pregnant workers. Furthermore, across all Nigerian states, there are virtually no explicit provisions ensuring access to affordable and quality childcare.

The report highlights that less than half of the 190 economies globally provide financial support for families, and Nigeria lacks the critical tax support or government-administered mechanisms to keep mothers in the workforce. The World Bank emphasizes the necessity of tax incentives and government-administered financial support systems aimed at helping families balance work and care-giving responsibilities.