In a landmark move to promote gender inclusion in governance, the National Assembly on Wednesday inaugurated the Nigerian Women Parliamentary Caucus, coinciding with International Women’s Day 2026.
The initiative brings together female lawmakers from federal and state legislatures under a coordinated platform to champion gender-responsive legislation and advocate for increased women’s representation in political offices.
The ceremony, held in Abuja, was organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in collaboration with development partners and women-focused institutions.
The event signals renewed institutional support for the Special Seats for Women Bill, which is currently under consideration as part of the broader constitutional amendment process.
The proposed legislation seeks to create six additional Senate seats, one per geopolitical zone; 37 extra seats in the House of Representatives, one per state and the Federal Capital Territory; and 108 additional seats across State Houses of Assembly, three per state.
According to Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of NILDS, the measure is designed as a constitutional mechanism to address the persistent under-representation of women in elective offices.
“The National Assembly is approaching a critical stage in the constitutional amendment process, with clause-by-clause voting expected in the coming weeks,” Sulaiman said.
“This legislation aims to deepen inclusiveness and expand opportunities for women to contribute to legislative decision-making at all levels of government.”
The caucus launch drew endorsements from international and local stakeholders, including UN Women, the British and Canadian High Commissions, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and the National Council of Women Societies.
Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, represented by Deputy Head of the UK Development Agency, Graham Gass, called for the swift passage of the Special Seats Bill.
He cited moral, democratic, and developmental imperatives, noting that international experience demonstrates that greater women’s participation fosters economic growth, human capital development, and social justice.
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, representing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas of the House of Representatives, reiterated the House leadership’s commitment to increasing women’s political participation.
She emphasised the need for sustained engagement with political parties to strengthen internal mechanisms promoting inclusion.
“The House continues to prioritise addressing the under-representation of women in political and decision-making spaces,” she stated.
“Supporting the Special Seats proposal provides a temporary constitutional measure to ensure women have a stronger voice in both federal and state legislatures.”
The broader legislative agenda highlighted at the inauguration also focuses on protecting women against gender-based violence, improving access to education and economic opportunities, and guaranteeing equality in employment and property rights.
Originally introduced in the 9th National Assembly, the Special Seats Bill failed to secure the required votes in 2022.
It was reintroduced in the 10th Assembly as House Bill 1349 and passed second reading in July 2024.
The bill is now among those recommended for passage in the joint report of the Senate and House following extensive public hearings on constitutional amendments.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that the establishment of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus would enhance coordination among female legislators at both federal and state levels, boosting the prospects for successful passage of the Special Seats Bill in the coming weeks.
