- Women’s Political Underrepresentation in Nigeria Will Soon End – Abbas
- Creation of 37 additional seats for women in the National Assembly
- Correcting structural imbalance and is backed by grassroots mobilization
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has expressed confidence that the long-standing underrepresentation of women in Nigerian politics will soon be addressed through stronger collective action and legislative reforms.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Abbas, represented by Kafilat Ogbara, member of the House of Representatives for Kosofe Federal Constituency, made the statement at the ninth Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2025) in Abuja.
He explained that lawmakers were holding direct engagements with their colleagues both in the National Assembly and in their constituencies to secure support for reforms, stressing that “the time is now” to act.
A major focus is the Reserved Seats Bill, which proposes the creation of 37 additional seats for women in the National Assembly, with three seats per senatorial district.
Abbas said the initiative is aimed at correcting structural imbalance and is backed by grassroots mobilization that involves party leaders, traditional rulers and community influencers.
The Speaker also praised President Bola Tinubu’s gender inclusive outlook, highlighting his Renewed Hope Agenda’s promise that no woman would be left behind.
Represented at the event by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, President Tinubu described women as the heartbeat of the nation and key drivers of national progress, particularly as Nigeria works toward building a one trillion dollar economy.
Sulaiman Ibrahim noted that women currently hold less than six percent of seats in the National Assembly, which falls far below the global average of 26.5 percent and the African Union target of 50 percent parity.
She emphasized that the Reserved Seats Bill is a matter of justice and strategic necessity, not an act of charity, and would bring Nigeria in line with international standards while unlocking the full potential of women in leadership.
She commended the 10th National Assembly for supporting the bill, saying their backing demonstrated courage and a commitment to correct decades of imbalance.
Other speakers, including former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka and conference convener Toun Okewale Sonaiya, urged stronger advocacy and financial commitment from women themselves to secure greater representation and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
