The National Assembly’s Constitution Review Committee has proposed the creation of 74 additional seats for women in the Senate and House of Representatives as a part of efforts to extend women’s participation in politics and governance.
The committee additionally proposed three additional seats reserved for women in every state House of Assembly, with out displacing any present electoral seats.
The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this on the 2026 Law Week organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ekiti State Chapter, on Monday.
Mr Bamidele, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, stated the proposals have been designed to strengthen women’s participation in Nigeria’s political and governance processes.
“A Bill for an Act to change the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to supply for particular seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly and for associated issues is receiving our consideration on the National Assembly.
“The proposal, as it stands, is meticulous in its design. It seeks to add 37 seats in the Senate and 37 seats in the House of Representatives. This suggests that if finally approved, each state of the federation, including the FCT, will have one additional seat in each of the Houses of the National Assembly,” he stated.
Mr Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, stated the proposed association would run for 16 years, masking 4 electoral cycles, earlier than a complete evaluate.
“The Constitution Review Committee has already proposed three additional seats for every State House of Assembly, all particularly reserved for women, with out displacing any present electoral seats.
“This arrangement is proposed to run for a period of 16 years, four electoral cycles, before a comprehensive review. This is a sunset clause designed to ensure sustainability and to allow for the organic development of a more inclusive political culture,” he added.
The Senate chief stated federal lawmakers had additionally begun participating their counterparts on the state degree to facilitate the proposals’ approval by state assemblies as soon as they’re handed by the National Assembly.
“We are actively and strategically engaging with the State Houses of Assembly, as their concurrence is a constitutional sine qua non for bringing this reform to fruition. However, let me add a crucial point that speaks to the very essence of our democratic journey and the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Special seats not partisan
Mr Bamidele stated the proposal for particular seats for women was not a partisan initiative, arguing that creating additional seats for women was essential to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
“The particular seat initiative is just not a partisan endeavour. It is a historic crucial. The rationale is anchored on a easy, but profound, precept of constitutional regulation: the foundational principle of consultant democracy. A democracy that systematically excludes over half of its inhabitants from the decision-making tables that decide their futures is, at finest, a flawed democracy and, at worst, a veiled oligarchy.
“We were mindful of the reality that the state must intervene to provide a robust safety net where the market and tradition fail. This recognition is translated into legislative support for healthcare initiatives, educational access, and social protection programmes that are meticulously targeted at the most vulnerable demographics: our women, our children, and persons with disabilities.”
Mr Bamidele additionally stated the proposed particular seats would strengthen protections for women and assist cut back home violence.
“A lady who suffers home violence should be capable to search safety with out intimidation or social condemnation. A baby who experiences abuse have to be heard, protected against additional hurt, and supplied with acceptable assist.
“Victims must have access to legal assistance, medical care, and psychosocial services, while perpetrators must be held accountable in accordance with due process and the rule of law.”
The proposal for particular seats for women
The proposal for particular seats for women comes amid issues over the underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political establishments. Women have traditionally occupied solely a small proportion of seats in the National Assembly, regardless of making up practically half of the nation’s inhabitants.
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Supporters of reserved seats argue that the measure would deal with structural limitations to women’s political participation, together with the excessive value of elections, occasion nomination practices, discrimination and gender-based violence. They say growing women’s illustration would make the legislature extra inclusive and enhance the consideration of points affecting women and youngsters.
However, critics of affirmative motion have questioned whether or not reserved seats may undermine the precept of equal illustration or create a category of legislators with a special electoral mandate. Others argue that the reform ought to be accompanied by measures to handle limitations inside political events and the electoral system.
If authorised, the proposal would develop the legislature and will enhance women’s affect in lawmaking and oversight. Its effectiveness would rely upon the electoral preparations, the choice course of for the reserved seats and whether or not the reform is accompanied by political reforms. The proposed 16-year period would additionally make the association momentary, with a evaluate anticipated after 4 electoral cycles.
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