rather than an increase in the vertical growth and income-generating ability of the sector. The lack of vertical growth in the informal sector can be attributed to: a lack of capital (especially among females); a lack of managerial and technical skills; a lack of market information; and poor access to lucrative markets. Other problems include the high cost of production inputs, and the lack of suitable business premises and equipment. Government policies also remain focused on the problems of the formal sector despite the crucial role that the informal sector plays in creating jobs and producing basic goods and services. Participatory and equitable state intervention is needed to support the informal sector in Nigeria. This will eliminate needless restrictions and provide a more appropriate and flexible regulatory framework that is compatible with local conditions – but one that is still reasonably efficient and environmentally sustainable. Slow progress towards gender equality and limited advancement of women Gender issues in Nigeria impact on all areas of socioeconomic and political life and cut across all development matters. Not only are women discriminated against in various customary and religious practices, but some of these discriminatory practices are entrenched in state and federal law. Large gender gaps are seen in the small proportion of women holding positions in government and in representative assemblies, at both federal and state level. There are also gender gaps in school and university enrolments, in paid employment, in personal wealth, and in social status within the family. Women have less access to land and credit, and are more affected by shortages of water and electricity because of their traditional burdens of domestic work. Clearly, the lack of equal rights for women in Nigeria is a serious drawback to full democracy. All citizens should be equal under the law and have equal access to all public resources and services. Land policy reform In Nigeria, as in other African states, there are conflicts between state efforts to control land on the one hand, and the complex and existing local land tenure systems on the other. Traditionally, Nigeria did not have a uniform system of land tenure. The diversity of its population was reflected in the many forms of land administration that existed. The advantages of the customary land tenure system are many. However, the specific position of widows and divorcees in the customary system can be precarious. In response to a potential crisis in land distribution, the military government promulgated the Land Use Act of March 1978. This established a uniform tenure system for all of Nigeria. The 1978 Land Use Act vests all land in the hands of the state government except for land falling within the federal territory area. At the microlevel, even though the law vests land in the hands of the state governments, the CRM heard that the authorities at state and local government levels are often beholden to traditional leaders who exercise informal but effective traditional custodial rights over land. Furthermore, acquiring land is a lengthy process. Land is, therefore, a major constraint to doing business in most parts of Nigeria. 21