How Margaret Ekpo Used Salt to Mobilise Women in Aba

Margaret Ekpo was one of Nigeria’s pioneering advocates for women’s political rights. At a time when women were excluded from voting and public decision-making, she helped build a powerful movement that demanded education, independence and universal adult suffrage. After studying in Dublin, Ekpo returned to Aba and opened a domestic science and sewing school. Her entry into politics began when she attended nationalist meetings on behalf of her husband. There, she witnessed the discrimination faced by Nigerians under colonial rule and became determined to organise women. Through the Aba Township Women Association, Ekpo used a clever strategy during the post-war salt shortage. She bought the available salt in Aba Market and made association membership a requirement for women who wanted to buy it. The plan quickly expanded the group and strengthened women’s participation in local politics. Ekpo later represented women at constitutional conferences in London and Lagos, served on the Aba Urban District Council, and became a leading figure in the NCNC women’s wing. Her work helped challenge the male dominance of political leadership in Eastern Nigeria.

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