Reps Push for Special Seats for Women in Nigeria

On Thursday, during a plenary session, the Nigerian House of Representatives, led by Jess Onuakalusi, called on all 36 state houses of assembly to support the passage of a bill aimed at creating special seats for women. This initiative is part of an ongoing constitutional amendment process designed to enhance political inclusion and address gender imbalance in Nigeria's political system.

The motion, which received overwhelming support, highlighted that women constitute nearly half of Nigeria's population but remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making positions, with less than 5% holding elected office. The proposed bill seeks to introduce temporary affirmative action measures to boost women's representation in the National Assembly and state houses.

Onuakalusi noted that failure to act could undermine Nigeria's democratic credibility and limit socio-economic development. The House urged state legislatures to expedite the bill's passage, warning that continued legislative inaction would entrench exclusion and weaken Nigeria's obligations under international frameworks aimed at eliminating discrimination against women.