From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has implored President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and other stakeholders to support the bill seeking to create special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
The chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, made the call on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, while speaking at a media briefing on the “Reserved Seats for Women Bill.” Ogbara explained that the bill, if passed into law, will ensure the inclusion of women in governance.
The Green Chamber recently passed for second reading a bill seeking to create a total of 74 special seats for women in the two chambers of the National Assembly and 108 special seats for women in the 36 states’ Houses of Assembly in the country.
Ogbara explained that the bill aligns with Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which emphasises gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
The lawmaker noted women’s representation in governance and decision-making processes in the country has been very low. According to her, Nigerian women, despite making up half of the country’s population, are still under-represented in the federal and state legislatures.
She said, “The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is not just about numbers; it is about giving women a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities. By increasing women’s representation, we can ensure that their perspectives, needs, and rights are adequately addressed in policy formulation and implementation.”
The lawmaker added that “studies have shown that when women are included in decision-making processes, economic growth is accelerated, benefiting the entire nation.
“It is time to break the barriers that have hindered women’s participation in politics and governance. We must work together to advocate for its passage and ensure it becomes law.
“Together, we can create a more equitable society where women’s voices are heard and valued. This bill is not just a legislative proposal, it is a commitment to building a future where every woman has the opportunity to contribute her voice to our nation’s governance.”
