UK seeks special seats for women in Nigeria’s parliament

The United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has given full support to a bill advocating for special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.

This comes as Nigeria’s constitutional review process gains momentum.

During a courtesy visit to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, in Abuja on Monday, UK parliamentarians stressed the importance of the bill in enhancing women’s representation in governance.

Leading the delegation, Kate Ofunne Osamor, a UK parliamentarian, stressed the UK’s strong interest in the legislative proposal. She described the delegation as a cross-party group from the House of Commons and House of Lords under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

“The purpose of this visit is to seek your support for the special seats for women in parliament by ensuring that the relevant bills are considered and passed,” Osamor stated.

The bill, initially introduced in the 9th National Assembly and re-sponsored in the 10th Assembly, proposes amendments to sections 77(1) and 117(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

It aims to establish 37 new seats in the Senate—one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Additionally, it seeks to create 74 seats in the House of Representatives, with two per state and the FCT, and 108 additional seats across State Houses of Assembly, allocating three per state.

Responding to the delegation, Senate President Akpabio assured that the bill would receive due consideration.

“In the 10th National Assembly, we have legislated with conviction, striving to make democracy a transformative force,” Akpabio said. “Inclusive governance is central to our agenda. We are committed to reflecting the hopes and dreams of all Nigerians, ensuring no citizen is left behind.”

The push for increased female representation comes amid growing calls for gender inclusivity in Nigeria’s political landscape. If passed, the bill would mark a significant step toward achieving greater gender balance in legislative decision-making.