More Seats For Women: Reps, UNDP, Civil Society Drum Support
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, has called on legislators and Nigerians from different walks of life to support the gender bill seeking to create 182 special seats for women in the states and the National Assembly.
Ogbara made the call at a media briefing organised by her committee with support from the UNDP and the Bridge Her Gap Initiative in Abuja.
“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.
She explained that 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.
“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 remark, Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP–FCT) stated 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.
She lamented 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.
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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 five per cent 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.
In her speech, 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 sceptics alike to support the bill and collectively push for a more inclusive political system.
