The National Assembly Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has proposed an increase of 74 seats for women in Nigeria's legislative bodies. This move aims to boost female representation in the country's political landscape. The proposal includes 37 additional seats in the Senate and 37 in the House of Representatives. Each state and the Federal Capital Territory will have one extra seat in both chambers.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed this information at the 2026 Law Week organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ekiti State Chapter. He stated that the committee had also suggested three additional seats for women in each state House of Assembly. These new seats will not displace existing elected members. The proposals are part of a constitutional amendment bill seeking special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
According to Bamidele, the proposed arrangement will operate for 16 years, covering four electoral cycles. After this period, it will undergo a comprehensive review. He described the initiative as a result of extensive consultations and consensus-building. The committee has begun engaging state Houses of Assembly to secure the required constitutional approval.
Bamidele emphasized that the proposal is not a partisan initiative. Rather, it aims to address the under-representation of women in political decision-making. He noted that a democracy excluding over half of its population from decision-making tables is flawed. The Senate leader acknowledged the advocacy of First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and other stakeholders in advancing the proposal.
The National Assembly is also considering legislative measures to strengthen access to healthcare, education, and social protection for women, children, and persons with disabilities. Bamidele called for laws and justice systems that respond effectively to domestic violence, child abuse, and emerging threats.
He stressed that victims should have access to legal assistance, medical care, and psychosocial support. Perpetrators should be held accountable in accordance with due process and the rule of law. The FIDA programme was chaired by Mrs Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards and held under the theme, “Justice in a Changing World: Responding to New Challenges Affecting Women and Children.”
Other dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information and National Orientation, Steve Fatoba, and Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Adeoye Aribasoye. The event brought together stakeholders to discuss justice and its implications for women and children in a changing world.
Key points
- The National Assembly Committee proposes 74 additional seats for women in Nigeria's Senate and House of Representatives.
- The proposed arrangement will operate for 16 years, covering four electoral cycles, before undergoing a comprehensive review.
- The initiative aims to address the under-representation of women in political decision-making in Nigeria.
