The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, has appealed to Nigerians to support a bill seeking to allocate 182 legislative seats exclusively for women across the country.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the Lagos lawmaker representing Kosofe Federal Constituency highlighted the persistent underrepresentation of women in elected positions, despite their significant population and contributions to national development.
“I urge all stakeholders, government officials, civil society organisations and citizens at large to rally behind this crucial bill,” she said.
“It is time to dismantle the barriers that have historically hindered women’s participation in politics and governance.”
Ogbara explained that the proposal goes beyond politics, it is a deliberate effort to deepen inclusive democracy and ensure that women’s voices are heard and reflected in governance.
“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.
According to Ogbara, the bill seeks to create one additional reserved seat for women in each state and the Federal Capital Territory across both chambers of the National Assembly.
Additionally, it proposes three reserved seats for women in every state House of Assembly.
“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, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality,” she stressed.
Supporting the initiative, Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT, reinforced the need for women’s inclusion in national leadership. She noted that when women commit to a cause, they deliver results.
“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,” Kingibe said.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, also applauded the 10th National Assembly for championing the cause of gender inclusion. She described the bill as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“This is not just a proposal; it is a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution,” Attafuah stated. She praised the contributions of Nigerian women in various sectors, including the national football team, the Super Falcons, who recently won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Attafuah noted that women currently occupy less than 5% of legislative positions in Nigeria.
“It is a call to dismantle systemic barriers and foster inclusive governance,” she emphasized.
Adding her voice, Nikky Onyeri, Secretary-General of the Association of Women Traditional Title Holders in Nigeria, described the bill as “timely and essential,” and urged the legislature and executive arms of government to ensure its passage.
“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.
