More than 750 Nigerian women, representing all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have converged on Abuja in a historic show of solidarity to submit a memorandum at the National Public Hearing for the Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill.
According to the Chair of the Women’s Political Participation–Technical Working Group (WPP–TWG), Ebere Ifendu, the women embarked on a peaceful walk to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, where the leadership of the National Assembly would receive their memorandum during a stakeholder engagement.
Although the National Assembly is currently on recess, Ifendu emphasised that Nigerian women remain resolute and determined to use the symbolic action to press home their demand for gender inclusion in governance.
“The Reserved Seats Bill is not just about numbers, it is about securing women’s rightful place in governance and ensuring that the voices of Nigerian women are heard where decisions that affect their lives are made,” Ifendu said.
She noted that the peaceful walk represents a unified national action by women across regions, religions, and political divides, determined to speak with one voice for their rightful place in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Media as a Partner in Advocacy
Ifendu also commended the media for its consistent role in amplifying women’s voices and keeping the reserved seats debate on the national agenda and urged journalists and media houses to remain steadfast partners in the final push for legislative passage.
“An ally we’ve had so far in this journey in getting the Special Seats Reserved for Women Bill is the media. Now at this critical moment, we need the media to forge ahead as a true ally to raise critical awareness on the bill for the legislators to pass it,” she stressed.
About the Special Seats Bill
The Special Seats Bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to guarantee reserved seats for women in both the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly.
The proposed reform is designed to strengthen inclusive governance by ensuring women’s perspectives are represented in lawmaking while also correcting the historical underrepresentation of women in political leadership positions.
This intervention, Bill, which proposes to add 44 in the House of Reps, 37 in state assemblies and 3 in the Senate, totalling 84 in all, will guarantee a minimum threshold of women’s participation in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Advocates believe that if passed, the legislation will transform Nigeria’s governance architecture by creating a more balanced and equitable decision-making process, while also sending a strong signal about Nigeria’s commitment to gender equality.
A Unified Call for Action
The national public hearing is being viewed as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democracy. For many participants, the memorandum submission goes beyond legislative lobbying; it is a symbolic declaration that Nigerian women are ready to claim their space in national leadership.
The women say the action represents a national consensus that inclusive governance cannot be delayed any further.