Women demand reserved seats in constitution review

Nigerian women on Monday presented the Special Seats Bill at the National Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, seeking the reservation of 74 additional seats for women in the National Assembly and 3 seats each in the 36 State Houses of Assembly.

If the bill is passed, the landmark legislation will help close Nigeria’s persistent gender gap in governance. Currently, women hold 4% of legislative seats in the National Assembly, one of the lowest levels of representation globally.

Advocates of the bill stressed that the measure would build a more inclusive democracy where women’s voices and perspectives are central to decision-making and the nation’s future.

President Bola Tinubu’s message delivered by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, was described as a “golden opportunity” to advance democracy and nation-building.

He commended the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Dr Benjamin Kalu, for creating an inclusive platform that engages citizens, civil society, political parties, professional bodies, and traditional institutions in shaping the nation’s supreme law.

Tinubu stressed that the review must aim to deepen federalism, promote equity, accountability, and strengthen democratic institutions that safeguard freedoms.

‎According to the President, the review aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to deliver good governance, social justice, and economic transformation across the country.

Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, called the exercise “a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” emphasizing that Nigerians not just politicians should shape the nation’s constitution.

He assured citizens of an expedited, transparent process, with amendments swiftly passed through the National Assembly and sent to State Assemblies.

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu disclosed that the Committee had received 87 amendment bills compiled from nationwide public hearings, memoranda, and regional engagements.

He gave assurance that a harmonised version of the proposals would be published before plenary voting.

Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), said while submitting the signatures to the committee that the bill is not just about numbers, but about ensuring women secure their rightful place in governance.

She added that failing to acknowledge the contributions of Nigerian women amounts to an exclusionary democracy.

In March 2022, the 9th National Assembly rejected five gender bills favoring women. Since then, there have been calls for the 10th National Assembly to address these issues, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has shown determination to do so.

The five gender bills includes provisions such as special seats for women in the National Assembly, 35% affirmative action for women in political party administration, granting citizenship to foreign-born husbands of a Nigerian woman

The other two bills are a bill that indigent married women should have a choice on state of origin and last bill seeks inclusion of at least 10% affirmative action in favour of women in ministerial appointments.

Editing by Adeniyi Bakare