This article examines the implications of widowhood
practices for the enjoyment of women’s fundamental rights and
freedoms in Nigeria. The article discusses the effects of socio-cultural
and legal structures of Nigeria for gender equality. It argues that the
plural legal system in the country, which encourages the application of
statutory law side by side with customary law, can potentially
undermine women’s fundamental rights. The article then discusses
specific human rights of women, particularly the rights to dignity and
non-discrimination that are threatened by widowhood practices. In
conclusion, it is argued that since Nigeria has ratified international
and regional human rights instruments such as the Convention on
Elimination of All forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
and the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women
(African Women’s Protocol), it is obligated to take appropriate steps
and measures to eradicate harmful cultural practices that may violate
women’s rights.