Munira Suleiman Tanimu is an entrepreneur, a politician, a passionate philanthropist, and a mother. She is currently the majority leader of the Kaduna State 10th Assembly. She is the sole female representative in Kaduna State House Assembly and the entire North West, serving the people of Lere East Constituency in Lere Local Government, Kaduna State. She is the first female majority leader in the history of Kaduna state and in the entire north-west Nigeria.
With a solid political foundation, Munira’s commitment to public service is driven by a deep desire to contribute to Nigeria’s transformation. Her political engagement stems from a personal mission to effect meaningful change in a country in urgent need of progress. Through her non-governmental organisation, Green Heart Impact Foundation, her extensive philanthropic efforts focus on alleviating poverty and empowering women and children, underscoring her commitment to enhancing the lives of everyday Nigerians.
Munira envisions impactful reforms across education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and women/youth empowerment. Inspired by figures such as her father, Honourable Suleiman Tanimu, who was a former House of Representatives member in the 90s, the late H.E Aisha Jummai Alhassan (Mama Taraba) and Senator Aishatu Binani, whose fearless advocacy and strategic approach have influenced her own political journey. She is intensely aware of the need for greater female political participation.
Munira also believes that more women should step forward to actively participate in governance, policymaking, and leadership at all levels. She is committed to encouraging and mentoring women to take bold steps toward breaking barriers and reshaping the narrative of female leadership in Nigeria.
What inspired you to pursue a career in politics, and how did your father’s involvement in politics influence your journey?
Growing up in a politically active family, I was naturally drawn to public service. My father held various political offices—ranging from Local Government Chairman to Member of the House of Representatives, and later, he received appointments as a commissioner, among other notable roles I can’t fully recall at the moment. His unwavering commitment to leadership and governance instilled in me a strong sense of civic responsibility from an early age. Being surrounded by political discourse and witnessing first-hand the impact of effective leadership shaped my worldview and fuelled my desire to make a difference. My passion lies in addressing the real, everyday issues faced by ordinary citizens—particularly women, children, and underserved communities. Over time, I came to realise that true, sustainable change cannot be achieved from the sidelines. To influence policy, drive development, and be a voice for the voiceless, I knew I had to take an active role in the legislative process.
As the only female elected member of the current Kaduna State House of Assembly and the sole female representative in the North-West, what does this achievement mean to you personally and professionally?
As the only female elected member of the current Kaduna State House of Assembly and the sole female representative in the North-West, this milestone is both humbling and empowering. I begin by thanking the Almighty for His grace, guidance, and strength throughout this journey. Personally, this achievement represents the breaking of barriers in a traditionally male-dominated arena. Professionally, it underscores the importance of inclusive governance and the need for more women in leadership. I remain immensely grateful to His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, for his unwavering support and confidence in my leadership—from my appointment as Deputy Majority Leader to my emergence as Majority Leader. His commitment to gender inclusion and equitable representation made this historic opportunity possible. With the right support, women can lead effectively, contribute meaningfully, and inspire others. I hope my journey serves as a beacon for other women, proving that gender should never be a limitation in politics.
Can you elaborate on your personal mission to effect meaningful change in Nigeria and what specific transformations you aspire to achieve?
My mission is to foster a society where every individual—regardless of gender, background, or social status, has access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. I am committed to advancing policies that strengthen education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, particularly for women and young people. Through the Green Heart Impact Foundation, we have initiated numerous impactful projects, including free medical outreaches, scholarship schemes, and community food drives. One of our most notable programmes, the Tray for Book Initiative, promotes the importance of education among children in underserved communities. It advocates for an end to street hawking among young girls by encouraging school enrolment and providing books and learning materials. This campaign carries a powerful message: #BooksOverTray – No to Girl Child Hawking in Nigeria. These initiatives are not just interventions—they are bridges to lasting change. By addressing systemic gaps, we are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and prosperous Nigeria where no one is left behind.
How does your work with the Green Heart Impact Foundation complement your political endeavours?
The Green Heart Impact Foundation preceded my political journey. It was born out of a passion for making an impact and serving humanity. As the need to reach more people grew, I recognised the value of political involvement. The foundation serves as a bridge between policy and practice—while politics empowers me to shape legislation, the foundation allows me to deliver grassroots solutions, creating a comprehensive and people-centred approach to community development.
Why do you believe grassroots engagement is essential in your political approach, and how do you ensure you remain connected to your constituents?
It is widely acknowledged that any politician seeking to make a meaningful impact must remain closely connected to the grassroots. Engaging directly with the people ensures that policies are informed by their real needs and lived experiences. I prioritise regular town hall meetings, community visits, and open forums to hear from my constituents. This ongoing dialogue fosters trust and ensures that my legislative decisions are firmly rooted in the realities of those I represent.
What are some of the unique challenges you believe women face in the political landscape of Nigeria, and how do you aim to address them?
Women often face systemic barriers, including limited access to funding, societal stereotypes, and inadequate support networks. To combat this, I advocate for policies that promote gender equity, provide mentorship programmes, and create platforms that amplify women’s voices in politics. Empowerment begins with opportunity and support.
What specific reforms do you envision in the areas of education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation?
In education, I advocate for increased funding and infrastructure development across Nigeria. For healthcare, I support policies that improve accessibility and affordability. Regarding poverty alleviation, I champion initiatives that provide vocational training and grant opportunities, enabling individuals to become self-reliant and economically empowered.
What strategies do you implement to encourage more women to engage in governance, policymaking, and leadership roles?
One of the key strategies I am implementing is advocacy and mentorship. I convened the first training session for elected female representatives in Kaduna State, bringing women together in unity and one voice to enlighten and support one another across the state. This initiative laid a vital foundation for women in governance. I continue to organise capacity-building workshops to equip women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to actively participate in governance and policy making. Additionally, I run advocacy campaigns that spotlight and celebrate accomplished female leaders—because visibility matters. I believe representation inspires ambition. These efforts are also reinforced through legislative action, such as the bill I sponsored on women’s inclusion. When women are visible, empowered, and supported, they are more likely to step forward and take their rightful place in leadership.
Can you share any experiences or initiatives you’ve undertaken to mentor young women in politics?
I have been actively implementing programmes designed to prepare women for meaningful participation in politics, business, and other spheres of life. Through the Glam Empowerment and Mentorship Programme, I have introduced structured mentorship schemes that connect young women with experienced female leaders. These initiatives provide guidance, skill development, and valuable networking opportunities—empowering the next generation to pursue their aspirations with confidence and successfully navigate the political space and beyond.
What role does mentorship play, and how have you benefited?
Mentorship has been pivotal in my journey, offering guidance, support, and invaluable insights. Learning from seasoned leaders has helped me navigate challenges and refine my approach to governance. I strive to pay this forward by mentoring aspiring leaders, fostering a cycle of empowerment.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a female politician in Nigeria, and how have you overcome them?
Navigating a male-dominated political sector presented challenges, including gender bias and underestimation. I overcame these by demonstrating competence, resilience, and unwavering commitment to my constituents. Building alliances and continuously proving my capabilities helped break down barriers and earn respect.
What are your long-term goals for your community and Nigeria as a whole, both as a leader and a philanthropist?
My vision is to create a society where every individual has access to quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. I aim to implement sustainable policies and programmes that uplift communities, reduce inequality, and foster national development.
How do you measure the impact of your philanthropic efforts on the communities you serve?
We assess impact through regular monitoring and evaluation, community feedback, and measurable outcomes such as increased school enrolment, improved health indicators, and economic growth. These metrics guide our strategies, ensuring that our initiatives effectively address community needs.
What specific legislation are you currently championing in the Kaduna State Assembly that aims to improve the lives of your constituents?
Since assuming office 23 months ago, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to sponsoring impactful legislation that promotes development, equity, and public welfare for the people of Lere East Constituency and Kaduna State as a whole. I am proud to have sponsored four bills, each aimed at addressing systemic challenges, enhancing service delivery, and fostering inclusive growth.
These include:
- A Bill for a law to amend the Kaduna State Fire and Public Safety Law No. 20 of 2018 – This critical piece of legislation has been successfully passed and signed into law, enhancing the operational capacity and responsiveness of our fire and emergency services.
- A Bill for a law to make provision for women representation in public and private offices in Kaduna State, 2024 – This bill, which advocates for greater gender inclusion in leadership, has passed its second reading and is currently under review by the relevant committees for in-depth consideration.
- A Bill for a law to provide for the establishment of the Kaduna State House of Assembly Service Commission and for other related matters, 2025 – This bill, aimed at institutional reform and efficiency within the assembly, has also passed its second reading and is undergoing further legislative scrutiny.
- A Bill for a law to provide for the establishment of the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences, Saminaka, 2025 – This bill, which seeks to advance agricultural education and environmental sustainability, has successfully passed its first reading.
Each of these legislative efforts reflects my core priorities: public safety, education, gender inclusion, and institutional strengthening. I am equally advocating for bills that improve healthcare services and infrastructure, ensuring that the benefits of governance reach every household. As I continue this journey, my focus remains on championing legislation that truly uplifts our communities and paves the way for a more just and prosperous Kaduna State.
In your opinion, how important is civic engagement for the political empowerment of women and the broader community in Nigeria?
Civic engagement is crucial for empowering citizens, particularly women, to participate actively in governance. It fosters accountability, ensures that policies reflect public needs, and promotes inclusive decision-making. Encouraging civic participation strengthens democracy and drives societal progress.
Two years in office. How has the journey been, and what next in the remaining years?
The journey has been both challenging and rewarding. We’ve made significant strides in community development, policy reform, and empowerment initiatives. In the remaining years, I aim to consolidate these gains, expand our programmes, and continue advocating for policies that uplift and empower our people.
Concluding words
I remain deeply humbled by the opportunity to serve as the only female elected member in the current Kaduna State House of Assembly and the sole female representative from the North West. This role is both a privilege and a profound responsibility—one I carry with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Leadership, to me, is a call to serve, to give voice to the unheard, and to create access to opportunities for all. From sponsoring impactful legislation on public safety, gender inclusion, and institutional development, to leading grassroots engagement and women-focused mentorship through the Glam Empowerment Programme and Green Heart Impact Foundation, my vision has always been people-centred.
My mission remains clear: To foster a Nigeria where women are supported, mentored, and empowered to lead. We have already seen what is possible in Kaduna State—now is the time to scale. Through sustained advocacy, inclusive policy-making, and collective resolve, we can build a nation where every woman and girl can dream, aspire, and lead with dignity.
Let us never lose hope in the promise of our nation. Together, we can build a better, fairer, and more prosperous Nigeria for all.
