As the constitution review exercise gains momentum in both chambers of the National Assembly, the United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) has thrown its weight behind the bill seeking to create special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
The call for the bill’s passage to enhance women’s inclusiveness in governance was made by members of the UK Parliament during a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in Abuja on Monday.
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Leader of the delegation, Kate Ofunne Osamor, emphasized the CPA UK branch’s keen interest in the legislative proposal, which aims to improve women’s representation in governance across Nigeria.
The bill, first introduced in the 9th National Assembly and re-sponsored in the current 10th Assembly, seeks to amend Sections 77(1) and 117(1) of the 1999 Constitution. It proposes the creation of 37 additional seats in the Senate one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 74 seats in the House of Representatives, with two seats per state and the FCT. Additionally, it recommends the establishment of 108 new seats in State Houses of Assembly, allocating three seats per state to boost women’s representation.
Responding, Senate President Akpabio assured the delegation that the bill would receive due consideration in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.