On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, a pivotal media briefing is set to take place at the House of Representatives in the Temporary Chamber of the National Assembly Complex. The briefing, organized in collaboration with the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, is dedicated to the vital issue of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill and marks the beginning of a nationwide advocacy, public education, and stakeholder engagement campaign to build momentum for the passage of the bill. This initiative has the backing of The Office of the Speaker, The Strategic Advocacy Committee for the Reserved Seats Bill, and key organizations, including the Bridge Her Gap Initiative and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and is aimed at tackling the longstanding underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political arena.
The Reserved Seats for Women Bill represents a groundbreaking step towards ensuring gender equity in political representation. With women making up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, the underrepresentation in decision-making roles is a glaring anomaly that this bill seeks to address. Currently, women hold less than 5% of federal legislative seats, a figure that underscores the urgent need for legislative reform. The Reserved Seats for Women Bill proposes the creation of additional seats exclusively for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly. Specifically, it calls for 37 new Senate seats—one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory—and 37 additional House of Representatives seats. Furthermore, it seeks to introduce three new seats per state across all 36 state assemblies, all to be contested exclusively by women.
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, will set the tone for the briefing, emphasizing that this initiative is not merely a gesture of goodwill or charity, but a fundamental aspect of fairness and nation-building. Advocates of the bill highlight that inclusive governance leads to better policy-making, as diverse perspectives are essential in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the nation. The proposed amendment is seen as a strategic move to rectify historical injustices and to create a political environment where women’s voices are not only heard but are also integral to the design and implementation of policies affecting the entire populace.
Following Hon. Ogbara’s address, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, will offer special remarks that are anticipated to underscore the importance of legislative support for gender equity initiatives. Her insights are expected to provide further context on the motivations behind the bill and the broader implications of enhanced female representation in governance. Additionally, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, the UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, will deliver remarks that will shed light on the international commitment to gender equality and the vital role that Nigeria plays in this global narrative.
The media briefing will also feature a strategic committee presentation, where various committee members will take the floor to discuss their perspectives and insights on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. Each member will have three minutes to articulate their views and the importance of the bill to the broader context of women’s rights and political representation in Nigeria. This segment aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the bill’s potential impacts and the collective commitment of stakeholders toward its passage.
An interactive Q&A session will follow the presentations, allowing journalists and stakeholders to seek clarifications and deepen their understanding of the bill’s provisions and implications. This engagement aims to create a dialogue around the bill, encouraging a robust exchange of ideas and concerns among participants.
Looking forward, Yeside Aminat Olasimbo, Special Assistant on Women Affairs to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, will address the next steps in the legislative process for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. With the bill poised for its third reading in October 2025, there is a palpable sense of urgency among advocates and legislators. If passed, the bill will be sent to the State Assemblies before proceeding to the President for assent. Supporters argue that the anticipated increase to the national budget of approximately 1% for these additional seats is a small price to pay for the long-term benefits of inclusive governance.
The groundwork for this bill has been laid through a widespread grassroots campaign that has gained bipartisan support from the National Assembly leadership, state governors, and over 10 million Nigerians. This momentum reflects a collective recognition of the undeniable fact that inclusive representation is essential for the health of democracy and for the equitable development of society.
As the media briefing approaches, the anticipation surrounding the Reserved Seats for Women Bill continues to grow. Proponents hope that this initiative will catalyze change, fostering an environment where women can freely participate and lead in the political landscape. The bill is not merely a change in numbers but signifies a transformative shift toward a more equitable society where every voice, regardless of gender, is given the platform it deserves.
The upcoming briefing serves as a vital platform for amplifying discussions around women’s representation and advancing the conversation toward genuine inclusivity in Nigerian politics. As the nation stands on the brink of potential change, the hope is that this initiative will mark a historic turning point for women’s rights and representation in Nigeria.
