The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Policy and Legislative Advocacy Centre (PLAC) have called on members of the National and State Assemblies to support the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill, describing it as a critical step toward strengthening participatory democracy in Nigeria.
Both organizations stressed the need for a more inclusive governance system that reflects the country’s diversity.
Speaking at a strategy meeting on advancing women’s political leadership in Abuja, Chairperson of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), Uju Agomoh, described the bill as a tool for social transformation.
She noted that despite making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, women remain significantly underrepresented in both elective and appointive positions.
According to her, the issue goes beyond gender, warning that the imbalance weakens the legitimacy, responsiveness, and effectiveness of governance.
She added that promoting women’s political leadership is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for sustainable development, peace, and national progress.
Agomoh further explained that the advocacy workshop, organised by PLAC with support from the European Union and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, provided a timely platform to address barriers to women’s participation and develop strategies for inclusive representation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Also speaking, Executive Director of PLAC, Clement Nwankwo, said expectations are high for the bill’s passage in the current National Assembly, after it failed in the Ninth Assembly.
He emphasised that the legislation would create constitutional backing to increase women’s representation at both state and national levels.
Nwankwo described the bill as central to ongoing constitutional amendment efforts, warning that its failure would undermine broader reform outcomes.
He also urged political parties to create enabling environments for more women to participate in upcoming elections.
In her remarks, Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, said the push for special seats for women is gaining traction, with growing support from key stakeholders across government.
She noted that the leadership of the National Assembly, including Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Oluremi Tinubu, have expressed support for greater inclusion of women in governance.
Other stakeholders, including the European Union and spouses of state governors, also backed the call for the swift passage of the bill, as momentum continues to build for more inclusive political representation in Nigeria.
(This Day)
