Minister Advocates for Women's Special Seats Bill in Nigeria

During the National Assembly Open Week held in Abuja in 2026, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, the Minister of Women Affairs, called for the swift passage of the Women's Special Seats Bill. She stated that Nigeria can no longer ignore the underrepresentation of women in governance, which is essential for deepening democracy and accelerating national development.

Ibrahim delivered her message on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Asany Nko Esuabana, and applauded the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abba, for institutionalizing the Open Week initiative.

She noted that the 10th Assembly's scorecard reflects Nigeria's growing democratic maturity and stressed the importance of women's inclusion in political positions ahead of the 2027 general elections. The proposed bill aims to create additional seats for women in the Senate and House of Representatives, with a sunset clause of 16 years.

Ibrahim reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to working with the National Assembly and civil society to ensure the bill's passage and to empower women politically across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.