Nigeria’s democratic future is at a crossroads, as calls intensify for the passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (RSWB), a legislative proposal aimed at correcting the glaring gender imbalance in political representation.
Despite comprising more than half of the country’s population, women currently occupy less than 5% of the seats in the National Assembly, a disparity that many believe is holding back the nation’s progress.
The RSWB seeks to address this inequality by creating 74 additional seats at the federal level, one special seat for women per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in both chambers of the National Assembly.
If passed, the Bill will add 37 seats to the Senate and another 37 to the House of Representatives, exclusively reserved for women. Advocates say the move will help amplify women’s voices in governance and lead to more balanced, inclusive decision-making processes.
“This Bill is not just about women,” said Hon. Ms. Fakuta Hyellagiziya Naiwa, Coordinator for the North East Zone of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill Coalition. “It is about strengthening our democracy by giving every community fair representation. It is about recognizing the vital role women play in building safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities.”
Hon. Naiwa emphasized that when women are given a seat at the table, the benefits extend beyond gender equality—families thrive, economies grow, and national development accelerates. She called on Nigerians from all walks of life to support the Bill and ensure its passage.
To politicians, she urged them to champion the Bill within their legislative chambers and build a legacy of fairness and inclusion. Traditional rulers and community leaders were also encouraged to use their platforms to sensitize their communities about the far-reaching benefits of the proposed legislation.
She appealed to men, women, youth groups, and civic organizations to raise awareness, mobilize support, and demand urgent action both online and offline. Stakeholders at every level were called upon to collaborate in lobbying, advocacy, and sustained engagement until the Bill becomes law.
“This is not a women’s fight alone,” Naiwa said. “This is Nigeria’s fight for true democracy and sustainable development. This is our chance to show the world that Nigeria is ready to lead by example.”
The Reserved Seats for Women Bill Coalition believes that with collective effort, the Bill can be passed, marking a historic step toward gender-balanced governance in Nigeria.
Sahel Reporters News
