The House of Representatives on Tuesday renewed calls for the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, with strong support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s longstanding gender imbalance in politics.
Speaking during a media briefing at the National Assembly, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, hailed the bill as a potential turning point in the country’s democratic history. She noted that while women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, they occupy fewer than five per cent of seats in the National Assembly.
Attafuah described the situation as a major gap in the country’s democratic representation, adding that boosting women’s participation in politics would improve governance outcomes and public trust.
She referenced the Super Falcons’ recent football triumph as proof of women’s capabilities, saying their success should serve as a rallying cry to strengthen women’s inclusion in national leadership.
“When women are equitably represented, policy outcomes improve, trust in institutions grows, and governance becomes more responsive,” she said. “Countries like Rwanda and Nepal have shown that reserved seats can fast-track women’s political empowerment and help build more inclusive societies.”
Attafuah reaffirmed the UNDP’s commitment to supporting the bill through technical support, policy advice, and civic education campaigns. She said the organisation would also help foster dialogue among political parties and amplify public advocacy to move the bill forward.
Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, who co-sponsored the bill, explained that the proposed legislation seeks to reserve:
- One additional seat for women in the Senate and House of Representatives in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and
- Three additional seats for women in each state’s House of Assembly.
Ogbara said the bill also includes provisions to ensure inclusivity for young women, women with disabilities, and those from marginalised communities. She added that it sets out a clear framework for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and provides for a review after four electoral cycles.
“This bill is not just about numbers. It’s about giving women a voice in decision-making,” Ogbara said. “It aligns with Nigeria’s international obligations, especially the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.”
She added that increased women’s representation would not only help address their unique concerns but also contribute to accelerated economic growth and national development.
