By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, has urged stakeholders to support a bill seeking to create 182 additional legislative seats exclusively for women in Nigeria.
Rep. Ogbara who made the call at a press briefing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday, lamented the low representation of women in governance, particularly in the legislature, despite women constituting nearly half of the nation’s population.
She explained that the proposed Reserved Seats for Women Bill aims to address this imbalance by guaranteeing a specific number of seats for women in the National and State Assemblies.
“I urge all stakeholders, government officials, civil society organisations (CSOs), and citizens at large to rally behind this crucial bill.
“It is time to dismantle the barriers that have historically hindered women’s participation in politics and governance”, she said.
According to Ogbara, the bill is not merely a legislative effort, but a bold commitment toward building a more inclusive democracy.
“Together, let us champion this cause and pave the way for a more equitable Nigeria one that values and amplifies women’s voices for inclusive growth and national development”, she added.
She further stated the bill proposes one additional seat per state, including the FCT, to be reserved for women in both chambers of the National Assembly. It also recommends three additional reserved seats for women in each State House of Assembly.
She noted that the bill includes provisions to ensure the participation of women from diverse backgrounds, including young women, women with disabilities, and those from marginalized communities.
“This bill is not just about increasing numbers it’s about ensuring that women’s perspectives, needs, and rights are reflected in policymaking. It aligns with international obligations like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality,” she added.
In her remarks, Senator Ireti Kingibe reiterated Rep. Ogbara’s sentiments, and said that when women set their minds to a cause, they achieve results. She urged women to mobilize both among themselves and with male allies to push for the bill’s passage.
Kingibe also pointed out that Nigeria often finds itself at a disadvantage in international legislative fora due to its poor representation of women.
“This bill is not just about more women in parliament it is about unlocking the full potential of our country for faster, more sustainable development,” she said.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, commended the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for championing the bill.
“This is not just a proposal; it is a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution,” she said, highlighting the leadership and resilience of Nigerian women across all sectors, including the Super Falcons, champions of the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Attafuah said women currently hold less than 5% of legislative seats in Nigeria a disparity she described as a call to dismantle systemic barriers and foster inclusive governance. She pledged the continued support of the UNDP toward the bill’s success.
Also speaking, Princess Nikky Onyeri, Secretary-General of the Association of Women Traditional Title Holders in Nigeria, described the bill as timely and essential.
She lamented the exclusion of nearly half the population from the decision-making table, adding that the inclusion of more qualified women in leadership would positively impact the GDP and development across sectors.
“We plead with lawmakers and the Executive to pass this bill. I’m optimistic, especially with President Bola Tinubu’s gender-friendly disposition. The House leadership is showing strong support, and the time is now,” Onyeri said.
She appealed to all Nigerians men, women, traditional leaders, and skeptics alike to support the bill and collectively push for a more inclusive political system.
