Women’s organisations across Nigeria’s 36 states are intensifying calls for the swift passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill, submitting formal letters of demand to lawmakers nationwide.
The advocacy campaign took place simultaneously across multiple states, led by a network of women’s organisations, which included women leaders, civil society organisations, grassroots groups, and community advocates.
The petition was delivered directly to lawmakers, urging them to prioritise the bill as the National Assembly resumes its recess and continues deliberations on constitutional amendments.
The network was led by the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations of Nigeria FOMWAN and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), among others.
President of NILOWV, Irene Awuna-Ikyegh, who spoke to journalists in Abuja, noted that the bill is not merely a gender issue but a national development priority that seeks to address the persistent under-representation of women in governance and create a more inclusive political system that reflects the diversity of the Nigerian population.
“Constituency-based engagement is a strategic approach to ensure lawmakers understand the urgency, public support, and national significance of the Special Seats Bill.”
The coordinated action is coming at a time when the National Assembly continues work on constitutional amendments, making the period a defining moment for legislative decision-making on inclusive governance reforms.
Awuna-Ikyegh expressed concern over the delay in passing the Bill, noting that failure to secure its passage by April would make it impossible to implement ahead of the next election cycle.
She emphasised that the bill is critical to creating inclusive political opportunities and correcting long-standing gender imbalances in governance.
In the letters submitted to the lawmakers, the groups urged legislators to, among other things, support the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill; recognise the importance of inclusive representation; align with global democratic standards; strengthen Nigeria’s governance structure; and respond to the growing demand from citizens and stakeholders.
She said, “These letters are intended to further strengthen support for special seats at the grassroots level, involving leaders in the constituencies, policy influencers, and members of the 10th assembly.”
“This is the momentum that says Nigerian women have spoken in a unified voice for passage of the bill.”
Leaders of other women’s networks like FIDA, NAWOJ, and NCWS also reaffirmed that the passage of the special seats bill will massively open up the space for women to participate in elections across the country.
Gender Strategy Advancement International GSAI Executive Director Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack said the coordinated mobilisation shows that the time has come to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy through inclusive representation and ensure that women have a stronger voice in shaping the nation’s future.