The Department of State Services (DSS) on the 9th May 2023, at its National Headquarters, Abuja, unveiled its gender mainstreaming policy outlining a homegrown comprehensive framework for the integration of gender perspectives and inclusiveness in the agency’s policies, programmes and procedures. This was revealed in a statement issued on the 11th May, 2023 by its Public Relations Officer, Dr. Peter Afunanya, who stated that the gesture is a key component of the Service’s commitment to promoting gender equality in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the National Gender Policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to him, the policy was launched at an epoch-making ceremony witnessed by the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen OFR, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, the Director General of the DSS, Yusuf Magaji Bichi CFR fwc represented by the Director of Administration, Kabiru Sani fsi mni and other members of Management and Staff.

Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the agency Yusuf Bichi said that the policy was aimed at promoting gender equality and creating a work environment free of discrimination and bias.

Bichi stated that "we recognise that gender mainstreaming is essential to achieving this goal and we are proud to launch this policy as a demonstration of our commitment to this cause.”

He enjoined all and sundry to embrace the new policy and ensure its full implementation at every level of decision making. The Minister commended the Service, particularly the DG of the state security agency for the initiative and called on other agencies to emulate the Service.