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Speaker canvasses special legislative seats for women

By Adamu Abuh, Abuja
28 February 2025   |   6:50 am
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has canvassed support for the reservation of special seats for women in both the national and states' legislative houses in the country.
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Ibrahim (left); Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; wife of the Speaker and representative of the First Lady, Fatima Abbas; and the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, at the 2025 Conference of Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment in Abuja yesterday. PHOTO: LUCY LADIDI ATEKO

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has canvassed support for the reservation of special seats for women in both the national and states’ legislative houses in the country.

Speaking at the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025, with the theme, ‘Investing in Nigerian Women, Securing Our Future’, in Abuja, yesterday, Abbas stressed the importance of gender-inclusive governance and policies that ensure equal representation for both genders in political and economic spheres.

The conference was organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development chaired by (APC, Lagos).
The Speaker expressed concern that despite constitutional guarantees of gender equality, Nigerian women continue to face discrimination, under-representation and socio-economic challenges that hinder their full participation in leadership roles.

He reiterated the House’s resolve to enact robust legislation to safeguard women in politics from violence and intimidation, aligning political framework with the Constitution’s principles of fairness and freedom.

As part of these efforts, he said two dedicated committees on women’s issues had been established. According to him, all female lawmakers in the House are included in the Constitution Amendment Committee to ensure gender-sensitive policymaking.

He added that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been urged to incorporate women into its National Executive Committee (NEC), leading to the appointment of four women to NEC positions.

Abbas emphasised the need for special seats for women in legislative houses and mandatory gender quotas within political parties to increase women’s representation in governance.

“I call on all Houses of Assembly to support these reforms during the Constitution Amendment process to guarantee greater political participation for women,” he added.

Beyond politics, the Speaker stressed the importance of investing in women’s economic empowerment for Nigeria’s development. He cited successful global models, such as gender quotas in Rwanda and microfinance schemes in Bangladesh, which Nigeria can adapt to uplift women.

The Speaker reiterated the House’s dedication to enforcing the National Gender Policy, supporting electoral reforms that promote female candidates, and amending the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) to enhance women’s rights.

He commended the Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Kafilat Ogbara, and the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, for their contributions to the advancement of gender equality.

At the conference, Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, said Nigerian women were breaking barriers and making impact in various sectors of the society. Represented by wife of the Speaker, Fatima Abbas, the first lady, however, emphasised the need for women inclusion and empowerment, adding that there was need to address structural challenges that keep women in poverty.

Earlier in her opening remarks, Ogbara described the conference as more than just an event, calling it a movement aimed at breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of women.

A major highlight of the conference was the launch of the National Compendium of Women in Leadership Positions, which documents the achievements of women who have broken barriers and contributed to various sectors.

“This compendium stands as a testament to the fact that when women rise, we all rise, and, ultimately, the nation flourishes,” Ogbara said. The conference brought together policymakers, civil society groups and development partners to deliberate on strategies for enhancing women’s leadership and participation in national development.

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