By Muhammad Mamman
The National Assembly is considering a landmark proposal to create 182 new legislative seats exclusively for women across Nigeria’s federal and state parliaments, in what is being described as one of the most ambitious gender-inclusion reforms in the nation’s political history.
The proposal, currently under legislative review, seeks to amend the constitution to reserve additional seats for women in the Senate, the House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly. Lawmakers backing the initiative argue that the measure is necessary to address the long-standing under-representation of women in Nigeria’s governance structures.
If approved, the Senate would gain new special seats for women, while the House of Representatives would see a significant increase in female-only constituencies. Each state assembly would also benefit from reserved slots, ensuring at least one additional woman representative from every state.
Supporters say the reform would not only strengthen democratic participation but also ensure that policy-making reflects the perspectives and needs of Nigeria’s diverse population. They note that women currently occupy fewer than 10 per cent of elective positions nationwide—one of the lowest rates in Africa.
However, the proposal has sparked debate, with some critics questioning the expansion of the legislature and the potential costs associated with creating new seats. Others argue that political parties should focus on internal reforms rather than constitutional changes.
Despite the differing views, the initiative has gained momentum among gender-rights advocates, civil society groups, and several lawmakers who believe the move is essential for accelerating women’s political empowerment.
The National Assembly is expected to continue deliberations in the coming weeks as the constitutional amendment process progresses. If passed at the federal level, the proposal must also secure approval from at least 24 state assemblies before becoming law.
