The House of Representatives has urged all 36 State Houses of Assembly to support the Special Seats for Women Bill, a constitutional amendment aimed at increasing female representation in legislative bodies. The call followed the adoption of a motion moved by Jesse Onuakalusi, representing Lagos State, during Thursday's plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas. Titled "Urgent need to pass the Special Seats for Women Bill as a critical step towards inclusive governance, democratic legitimacy and national development," the motion emphasized the necessity of affirmative action to correct gender imbalance in Nigeria's political system. Onuakalusi stated that women make up nearly half of Nigeria's population and contribute significantly across sectors, yet hold less than 5% of elective positions—among the lowest rates globally. He described the underrepresentation as a democratic deficit that weakens policy diversity and governance quality. The proposed bill would create constitutionally backed special seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly as a temporary measure to correct the imbalance. Onuakalusi cited Kenya, South Africa, Burundi, South Sudan and Uganda as African examples where such measures improved women's political participation. He warned that inaction would damage Nigeria's democratic credibility and hinder development outcomes in health, education and economic growth. The motion passed by voice vote, with the House directing its Committees on Constitutional Review, Women Affairs and Electoral Matters to fast-track the bill within a set timeline. State legislatures were urged to prepare for concurrence once the bill is passed at the national level. The House also noted that failure to act would perpetuate exclusion and undermine Nigeria's commitments to international and regional gender equity frameworks.
Jesse Onuakalusi highlights that women hold less than 5% of elective offices in Nigeria, yet the same legislature has not produced a female Senate President or Speaker in decades. The push for special seats comes after years of failed party-level quotas, raising questions about whether new seats will translate to real power or become symbolic gestures. If the National Assembly struggles to elevate women to top leadership roles internally, state houses may mirror the same resistance. The bill's success will depend less on constitutional provisions and more on political will that has been absent so far.
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