Nigeria's Reps to Reserve Seats for Persons with Disabilities

On Thursday in Abuja, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, revealed plans to pursue a constitutional amendment aimed at creating reserved parliamentary seats for persons with disabilities (PWDs). This announcement follows the conclusion of work on a proposal for special seats for women.

Abbas received a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme, led by Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, and UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsi Attafuah. The Speaker emphasized the need for greater political representation for PWDs in Nigeria, stating that the initiative could set a precedent for other African countries.

He expressed optimism that the proposed amendment would facilitate the inclusion of PWDs in electoral processes, thereby contributing to socio-economic development. Abbas also noted that the current National Assembly is reviewing the 1999 Constitution, with support from President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for the women's reserved seat proposal.

The amendment requires approval from two-thirds of the National Assembly and at least 24 state houses of assembly to become law.