Women Groups Storm Lawmaker’s Office, Demand Passage of Special Seats Bill
NILOWV, FIDA, NAWOJ, NCWS advocate 72 reserved seats to boost women’s political inclusion
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia
A coalition of women-focused organisations, including the Nigeria League of Women Voters, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists and the National Council of Women Societies, has intensified calls for inclusive governance with a formal petition submitted to a federal lawmaker from Nasarawa State.
The groups paid an advocacy visit on March 24, 2026, to the office of Abubakar Sarki Dahiru, Member representing Lafia/Obi Federal Constituency, urging him to support the passage of the proposed Special Seats for Women Bill.
The delegation was led by the State Coordinator of the Nigeria League of Women Voters, Halima Hudu Abubakar, who noted that the visit was aimed at promoting gender equity and strengthening women’s participation in governance through the allocation of 72 reserved legislative seats for women across Nigeria.
In the petition dated March 23, 2026, the group described the current level of women’s representation in Nigeria’s political structure as “grossly inadequate,” noting that female participation in elective offices remains below five percent—one of the lowest globally.
They argued that the proposed bill, which seeks constitutional amendment to create additional seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, is a necessary affirmative action to correct historical imbalances and align Nigeria with international best practices.
Citing examples from African countries such as Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya and Uganda, the coalition emphasized that reserved seats have proven effective in enhancing women’s political inclusion and democratic representation.
The petition further called on the lawmaker to mobilize his colleagues in the National Assembly to secure the required two-thirds majority for the bill, vote in its favour, and resist any attempts to delay or dilute its passage.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the lawmaker, his Senior Legislative Aide, Jabiru El-Muazu, assured the delegation that the document would be promptly delivered to the Honourable Member for immediate attention and necessary legislative action.
The groups expressed confidence that legislative backing for the bill would not only promote equity but also strengthen Nigeria’s democracy by ensuring broader representation and inclusive decision-making at all levels of governance.
