Reps, UNDP rally support to boost women’s representation in reserved seats bill

The House of Representatives, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have called for broad-based support for a proposed bill seeking to create 182 reserved legislative seats for women across the country.

Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara (APC–Lagos), made the appeal during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday. She decried the underrepresentation of women in governance, particularly in the legislature, despite women making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population.

Ogbara explained that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill seeks to correct this imbalance by guaranteeing at least one additional seat for women per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in both chambers of the National Assembly, as well as three seats in each State House of Assembly.

“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 delivered that the bill was 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,” she said.

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 marginalised 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.

Also speaking in the same, Senator Ireti Kingibe (LP–FCT) echoed Ogbara’s sentiments, stating that when women set their minds to a cause, they achieve results. She urged women to mobilise both among themselves and with male allies to push for the bill’s passage.

Senator Kingibe also pointed out that Nigeria often finds itself at a disadvantage in international legislative fora due to its poor representation of women.

She said, “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.”

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, commended the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for championing the bill.

She said, “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 5% 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.

Also speaking, 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,” she 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.

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