Women's Group Urges Passage of Special Seats Bill

The African Faith Justice Network (AFJN) has called on the Nigerian National Assembly to urgently pass a special seats bill aimed at increasing women's participation in politics. At a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Sister Eucharia Maduek, the coordinator of AFJN's Women Empower Project, emphasized the need for legislative action to ensure women's representation in the upcoming 2027 elections.

The proposed bill seeks to amend the 1999 constitution to create 74 additional seats for women in the National Assembly and corresponding seats in state houses of assembly. Maduek criticized the delay in passing the bill, noting that political parties are preparing for primaries and time is running out.

Dr. Amaka Ilochgw, AFJN's legal officer, highlighted Nigeria's international obligations to promote gender equality in governance, pointing out that while Nigeria has ratified conventions against discrimination, full domestic implementation is lacking.

The bill has already passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.