The leadership of the House of Representatives, Wednesday, had an interactive session with the representatives of the Nigerian women, where the issue of special seats for women in parliament took the centre stage.
The session, chaired by the Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, was part of the ongoing 2025 NASS Open Week organized by the House. It was tagged ‘Session on Special Seats for Women in Parliament.’
At the opening ceremony of the 2025 NASS Open Week on Tuesday, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, restated the commitment of the 10th Assembly to amend the constitution to provide for special parliamentary seats for women.
The Speaker, who has since identified with the He4She campaign, said, “A central feature of our inclusive governance proposals is the introduction of constitutionally guaranteed reserved seats for women and persons with disabilities. Under the draft amendment, ten per cent (10%) of seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives would be set aside for women, apportioned by the state to ensure regional balance.
“These seats would be filled through direct elections on separate ballots, with staggered terms to promote continuity and mentorship. Five per cent (5%) of seats would be reserved for persons with disabilities, with candidates nominated by accredited disability advocacy organisations. Reserved-seat representatives would enjoy the same rights, privileges, and committee assignments as their peers, reinforcing their full integration into legislative work.”
At Wednesday’s session, House Leader Prof. Ihonvbere, reechoed this view, saying the House was determined to ensure the amendments sail through. He called for the support of all stakeholders to make the issue of special parliamentary seats for women a reality.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the event came at the right time as all efforts are being made for inclusive governance.
She noted that, “giving women a seat at the table is not about charity. It is about recognizing competence, diversity of experience, and the unique perspectives women bring to leadership.”
Represented by the chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs and Development, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the First Lady said, “This event comes at a very important time in our nation’s history, as the National Assembly is currently conducting public hearings across the country on key constitutional and legislative reforms.
“One of the most critical issues being raised is the question of women’s representation and inclusion in politics, particularly through reserved seats for women in the legislature.”
Senator Oluremi Tinubu added that, “As we reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, we must be honest about where we are and be bold about where we need to go.
“The truth is that women remain significantly underrepresented in all levels of governance, despite making up nearly half of the population. This is not just a question of fairness; it is a matter of strengthening our democracy and deepening our national development.”
Expressing delight for being invited to speak at the session, the First Lady thanked the leadership of the House, Speaker Abbas, for the foresight to convene the 2025 NASS Open Week.
“I commend the 10th National Assembly for creating space for public engagement and inclusive dialogue. I also applaud the efforts of women groups, civil society, and the supportive men who stand as allies in this cause.
“On my part, I will continue to support initiatives that promote women’s political empowerment, education, and economic inclusion. I encourage our lawmakers to approach this issue with open minds and patriotic hearts.”
There were interventions from women participants at the session, most of whom commended the 10th House led by Speaker Abbas for its foresight.
Some of the notable women at the session included the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele FNSE; the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Lami Danladi; representatives of different women groups, CSOs, among others.