Bill to create 74 extra seats for women in NASS passes second reading

A bill aimed at creating 74 reserved seats for women in Nigeria’s national assembly has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

The green chamber supported the bill during Tuesday’s plenary session to boost female political participation.

Proposed by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 12 other lawmakers, the bill seeks to amend Sections 48, 49, 71, and 117 of the constitution. This amendment would establish one special seat for women in both the Senate and the House of Representatives for each state and the federal capital territory (FCT).

The bill, intended to take effect after the current national assembly’s term, will be reviewed every 16 years.

Additionally, the bill proposes altering Section 91 of the constitution to reserve three special seats for women in each state’s house of assembly.

Co-sponsor Joshua Gana, leading the debate, emphasized that the bill addresses the significant under-representation of women in the national assembly and at sub-national levels. He stressed that the legislation is based on the principle of equitable representation, aiming to empower women by ensuring their active contribution to legislative processes and national development.

Gana highlighted the low female representation in past assemblies, noting that women comprised only 6.4%, 6.1%, and 2.7% of the Senate in the 7th, 8th, and 9th assemblies, respectively, and 6.4%, 3.05%, and 4.7% of the House of Representatives in the same periods. He argued that these statistics demonstrate the need for proactive measures to ensure equitable representation.

He added that Nigeria lags behind globally in women’s parliamentary representation and that countries like Rwanda and Andorra, which have implemented affirmative action, have made significant strides toward gender equality in governance. Gana described the bill as a temporary measure to boost women’s participation in Nigeria, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.

During the debate, House spokesperson Akin Rotimi noted a broad consensus on the need for more women in parliament. Minority leader Kingsley Chinda and Kelechi Nwogu from Rivers also supported the bill, arguing for better opportunities for women in politics.

However, some lawmakers opposed the bill, citing constitutional provisions for equal opportunity. Ghali Tijani from Kano suggested that political parties should enhance women’s political participation instead of reserving seats. Other opponents included Olamijuwonlo Alao Akala from Oyo, Patrick Umoh from Akwa Ibom, and Billy Osawaru from Edo, who cited constitutional violations.

Kalu proposed withdrawing the bill, acknowledging a potential bias as the lead sponsor while presiding. However, Ahmad Satomi from Borno insisted on a voice vote. The “ayes” outnumbered the “nays,” leading Kalu to rule in favor of the “ayes.”

A similar bill was rejected in the 9th assembly during the constitution amendment process.