Abstract
Gender inequality poses a major challenge for women all over the world. In Nigeria, women have suffered enormous discrimination, denunciation as well as deprivation as a
result of gender bias. This study, considered a legal appraisal of patriarchy and inequality in Nigeria by examining the various dimensions of patriarchy and inequality in the various aspects of the Nigerian society such as culture, religion, politics, law, and so on. This study adopted the doctrinal method of research which involves the
use of both primary and secondary sources. The findings of this study reveal among other things that the Nigerian Society is a patriarchal society with high rate of gender inequality which is largely influenced by diverse cultural
practices and religious beliefs. Furthermore, certain provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other Nigerian laws are discriminatory and do not guarantee equality of all persons. The study also found
out that government approach on inequality in Nigeria has not been adequate and therefore recommended among others for the amendment of the Nigerian constitution, the
enactment of unified Equality Act in Nigeria as well as the domestication of CEDAW in Nigeria.
Key Words: Patriarchy, Equality and Gender Inequality.
