By Christiana Ekpa
The Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC–Lagos), has called on all stakeholders to support a bill seeking to create 182 additional legislative seats exclusively for women in Nigeria.
Speaking during a press briefing at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Tuesday, Ogbara decried the low representation of women in governance, particularly in the legislature, despite women constituting nearly half of the nation’s population.
She said 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,” she said. “It is time to dismantle the barriers that have historically hindered women’s participation in politics and governance.”
Ogbara added that 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.”
According to her, 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.
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