The long-awaited push for gender balance in Nigeria’s politics moved a step closer to reality on Monday as President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas openly declared their support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.
The bill, currently under consideration at the National Public Hearing on Constitution Alteration in Abuja, seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to create additional seats in both the National Assembly and state legislatures specifically for women. Advocates say it is a bold step toward correcting decades of systemic exclusion of women in decision-making and governance.
President Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stressed that constitutional reform must reflect today’s realities, safeguard equity, and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
“This process is about giving Nigerians renewed confidence that their voices matter in shaping the future of our democracy. The outcome will receive due attention as part of our collective quest to build a stronger and more united Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Majority Whip Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, emphasized that the constitution belongs to the people, not just the lawmakers.
“This hearing is your opportunity to shape a constitution that is people-oriented and inclusive. At the end of the day, history should record that the 10th National Assembly gave Nigerians a truly representative constitution,” he said.
House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas described the Reserved Seats Bill as a “necessary legal instrument” for accelerating women’s inclusion in governance, stressing that it is not a matter of pity but justice. He also revealed that lawmakers are considering additional reforms, including a quota for women in ministerial positions and legal recognition for persons with disabilities.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the Constitution Review Committee, called the bill “transformative,” adding that it is designed to end systemic exclusion.
“This is not symbolism. It is about giving women constitutional space to contribute meaningfully to policymaking and governance,” he declared.
In a powerful show of unity, over one million Nigerian women across all 36 states and the FCT submitted signed petitions demanding the speedy passage of the bill.
Presenting the signatures, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), described the bill as a “legacy opportunity” for the 10th Assembly.
“With only 15 women in the House of Representatives and four in the Senate, our democracy cannot be called inclusive. One woman senator per state, one representative per state, and additional seats in state assemblies would change this narrative forever,” she said.
She warned that failing to pass the bill would mean perpetuating a democracy that sidelines half of Nigeria’s population.
The call for women’s political inclusion has also drawn international endorsement. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery; EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot; and UN Resident Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, all expressed support for the reform process.
Nigeria ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s political representation, with women holding less than 5% of parliamentary seats. Advocates insist that passing the Reserved Seats Bill will not only correct historical imbalances but also strengthen governance by ensuring diverse voices at the table.
As the hearings continue, pressure is mounting on the 10th National Assembly to seize this moment to make history. For women across Nigeria, the Reserved Seats Bill is not just legislation, it is a promise of inclusion, justice, and a more representative democracy.
