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Rep. Kafilat Ogbara Calls for Support of Bill to Reserve 182 Legislative Seats for Women in Nigeria

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11 months ago

July 29, 2025

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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.

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Just in: Ex- Benue SSG, David Salifu killed in suspected kidnappers’ attack

Published

6 minutes ago

July 3, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Ex- Secretary to the Benue State Government (SSG), Prof. David Salifu, has died after reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries during an attack by suspected kidnappers.

According to reports, the incident occurred on Thursday in Wukari, Taraba State, while Prof. Salifu was travelling to Makurdi.

He was said to have escaped from the assailants but suffered gunshot wounds during the attack.

He was rushed to a hospital in Makurdi for treatment but was later confirmed dead on Thursday night.

Further details surrounding the incident are still emerging, while authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the attack.

Efforts to reach Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, on the Benue Command were futile as she didn’t answer call.

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DAY 18 of Projects Commissioning in the FCT

Published

57 minutes ago

July 3, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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President Tinubu Will Commission Roads To Renewed Hope Cities, Estates in Karsana West Today

#FCTProjects2026
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FG Clears Inherited N39.6bn Pension Arrears Under Renewed Hope Agenda Drive

Published

59 minutes ago

July 3, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has received the Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Mrs. Tolulope Odunaiya, on a briefing over the successful settlement of more than ₦39.6 billion in longstanding pension liabilities under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

The briefing highlighted another milestone in the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, following the Federal Government’s clearance of inherited pension obligations that had remained outstanding for years.

Mrs. Odunaiya informed the Minister that the payments comprise ₦25.05 billion representing the outstanding 35-month pension liability owed to 9,675 eligible pensioners of the defunct NITEL/MTEL; ₦9.48 billion representing the initial 50 per cent payment of the Back End Computation (BEC) arrears to 3,959 eligible PHCN pensioners; and ₦5.09 billion representing the balance 50 per cent payment of the 10.66 per cent and 12.95 per cent pension increment arrears due to 11,180 eligible pensioners of the defunct Assurance Bank, NICON, NITEL and People’s Bank of Nigeria.

She explained that the settlement followed Presidential approval granted in August 2025, with the required funding subsequently provided under the 2026 Appropriation Act.

According to her, the exercise has now brought to a close all inherited pension liabilities under the Defined Benefit Scheme, providing long-awaited relief to thousands of pensioners.

Commending PTAD for the successful execution of the exercise, the Honourable Minister said the settlement demonstrates the Federal Government’s resolve to address longstanding obligations through prudent fiscal management and responsible governance.

“For many pensioners, this is more than the settlement of outstanding arrears; it is the restoration of confidence and dignity. The Ministry of Finance will continue to support measures that strengthen public financial management while ensuring that government obligations are met in a sustainable and timely manner,” Mr. Oyedele said.

The development marks another milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, reflecting the Federal Government’s focus on meeting longstanding obligations, strengthening public confidence and improving the welfare of pensioners.