By Emamuzo Iboma
The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and key stakeholders to back the “Reserved Seats for Women Bill,” which aims to establish special parliamentary seats for women at both federal and state levels.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, emphasized the importance of the bill in enhancing women’s representation in governance. She highlighted that, if enacted, the legislation would ensure more women have a voice in decision-making processes that shape their lives and communities.
Recently, the Green Chamber passed the bill for a second reading, proposing 74 reserved seats for women in the National Assembly and 108 in the 36 state Houses of Assembly nationwide. Ogbara explained that the bill aligns with Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Despite women constituting half of Nigeria’s population, their representation in legislative bodies remains critically low. Ogbara stressed that the bill is not merely about increasing numbers but about empowering women to participate fully in governance.
She stated, “The Reserved Seats for Women Bill is about giving women a platform and a voice in policies that directly impact their lives. When women are included in decision-making, we see accelerated economic growth benefiting everyone.”
The lawmaker urged collective action to advocate for the bill’s passage, emphasizing that breaking down barriers to women’s political participation is essential for building a fairer society. “This legislation is more than a proposal; it’s a commitment to ensuring every woman has an opportunity to contribute to our nation’s progress and development,” she concluded.
