President Bola Tinubu and key stakeholders have thrown their support behind constitutional reforms proposing reserved legislative seats for women in Nigeria. The backing comes as over one million Nigerian women submitted signatures in favour of the bill.
The bill aims to guarantee one female senator and one female House of Representatives member from each state, plus a woman from each of the three senatorial zones, to enhance gender parity.
Speaking at the National Public Hearing on the Constitution Alteration Bill in Abuja, Tinubu—represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume—called for a Constitution that “responds to the evolving realities of Nigeria.” He said the reform process is critical to inclusivity, justice, equity, and accountable governance, aligning with his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, both expressed support, calling on citizens to seize the chance to shape a more representative constitution.
Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria, delivered the signatures and warned that failure to recognize women’s contributions amounts to a non-inclusive democracy.
International partners also chimed in. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, and the UN Resident Coordinator all voiced support for the move.
As Nigeria pushes for constitutional reform, the reserved-seats proposal is gaining traction. But it faces steep constitutional hurdles: it must pass both houses of the National Assembly in identical form, then be approved by at least 24 state assemblies, before finally receiving presidential assent.
Source: (Nan News)
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