The House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards increasing representation and inclusivity in the National Assembly. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen announced that the House is considering reserving 10% of elective seats for women and 5% for persons with disabilities in the ongoing constitution review process.
The introduction of constitutionally guaranteed reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities will break the cycle of stagnation and accelerate progress towards gender parity. Speaker Abbas emphasized that international experience shows the impact quotas can have, citing examples from Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa.
If passed and signed into law, the special seat for women will add an additional 82 members to the National Assembly, with 55 members in the House and 28 in the Senate. The reserved-seat representatives will enjoy the same rights, privileges, and committee assignments as their peers.
The House is considering 109 amendment bills across various sectors, including electoral, judicial, legislative, and inclusive governance. The Speaker highlighted that 12 electoral reform bills address the scheduling of all general elections on a single day, establish independent candidacy, and create a dedicated commission for local government elections.
The House has introduced 2,263 bills in its first two sessions, with 1,478 going through Second Reading and 237 bills passed and forwarded for presidential assent. Speaker Abbas commended the House’s legislative capacity and competence.
The Speaker thanked the President for always consulting the National Assembly on key policy matters and respecting their input throughout the legislative process. This cooperation has strengthened governance and reinforced the balance of powers.
The House faces challenges, including economic constraints, high turnover rate, and public expectations for immediate improvements. Speaker Abbas assured that the House will continue to balance fiscal realities and prioritize critical sectors.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the House for its achievements and openness to the Nigerian people. He assured that the Senate will follow the House’s footsteps and plans to organize a joint open week with the Green Chamber.
Former Speakers Yakubu Dogara and Patricia Ette urged lawmakers to promote transparency and accountability, and to engage with their constituents regularly. They emphasized the importance of taking a cue from the open week.
The National Assembly’s efforts to increase representation and inclusivity mark a significant step towards a more representative and effective legislative body. With the proposed reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities, Nigeria’s National Assembly can become a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and equitable society.
