The National Assembly of Nigeria has proposed an increase in legislative representation for women. The proposal includes 74 additional seats for women in the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as three reserved seats in each state House of Assembly. This initiative aims to enhance women's participation in Nigeria's legislative process. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele announced this development at the 2026 Law Week organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Ekiti State Chapter.
The proposed arrangement would add 37 seats to each chamber of the National Assembly. This means every state and the Federal Capital Territory would have one additional representative in the Senate and House of Representatives. According to Bamidele, the proposal is part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. The goal is to provide special legislative representation for women without displacing existing elected representatives.
The proposal follows extensive consultations and consensus-building. Bamidele stated that the National Assembly had started the constitutional review process early to allow for wider participation. The legislative initiative is a result of thorough consultation and consensus-building. The proposed arrangement seeks to add 37 seats in the Senate and 37 seats in the House of Representatives.
In addition to the federal legislature, the proposal includes three additional seats reserved for women in each state House of Assembly. This arrangement is expected to remain in place for 16 years, covering four electoral cycles, before a comprehensive review. The committee's proposal aims to ensure sustainability and allow for the organic development of a more inclusive political culture.
The Senate Leader emphasized that the proposal is not driven by party interests but by the need to address the limited participation of women in political decision-making. Bamidele noted that a democracy that systematically excludes over half of its population from decision-making tables is flawed. The special seat initiative aims to correct this imbalance.
Bamidele also called for stronger legislative measures to support women, children, and persons with disabilities. He advocated for improved healthcare, education, and social protection. The Senate Leader acknowledged the advocacy of senior government figures, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in pushing for these legislative measures.
The proposal has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information and National Orientation, Steve Fatoba. The National Assembly's move is seen as a step towards more inclusive governance in Nigeria.
Key points
- The National Assembly proposes 74 additional seats for women in the Senate and House of Representatives.
- The proposed arrangement includes three reserved seats for women in each state House of Assembly.
- The initiative aims to address the limited participation of women in Nigeria's political decision-making process.
