By Emmanuel Olonade, Gabriel Anuoluwapo

Abuja, Nigeria In what is being described as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution, lawmakers, civil society advocates, and international partners gathered at the National Assembly to engage Nigerian media to garner support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, a proposed legislative reform aimed at redressing Nigeria’s historical gender imbalance in political representation. The goal is to mobilise public and institutional backing for a bill that could significantly increase women’s participation in governance at both federal and state levels. Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development and Chair of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill Committee in her opening remarks emphasised the urgency and importance of the proposed legislation while outlining the key provisions of the bill. “We cannot continue to sideline half of our population and expect meaningful progress,” she stated. “This bill is not a token gesture—it’s a legislative correction of decades of exclusion” Ogbara stressed that this bill is aligned with both Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to equality and its international obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which promotes gender equality. “This bill is not just about numbers. It’s about giving women a voice where decisions are made that affect their lives. Increased women’s representation leads to more inclusive, responsive, and sustainable governance,” she added.  Ogbara issued a rallying cry to all Nigerians.  “We urge all stakeholders, government officials, civil society organizations, media professionals, and citizens, to rise and support this crucial bill. It’s time to break the barriers that have hindered women’s participation in politics. Together, we can create a more equitable Nigeria where women’s voices are not only heard but are instrumental in shaping our nation’s future. Senator Ireti Kingibe, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, delivered a plea for unity.  “When women set their minds to do something, they get it done. I urge all women across this country to speak to anyone they can to ensure this bill is passed,” she said. “This bill is not just about women, it’s about national development.”  Kingibe underscored global evidence showing that countries with greater gender parity in governance enjoy stronger economic growth and more just societies.  Mrs. Elsie Attafuah, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, declared unwavering support for the legislation.  “True democracy cannot thrive where women are sidelined,” she stated. “We stand with Nigeria on this journey, for advocacy, for technical support, and for history.”  She emphasized that sustainable development is more achievable in countries where women play an active role in political leadership, adding that this bill could be a landmark achievement for Nigeria in global gender equity rankings. Yeside Aminat Olasimbo, Special Assistant on Women’s Affairs to the Speaker House of Representatives, stated that the Speaker is not just aware, he is invested in this bill. “We recognize that legislative leadership must also mean legislative inclusion.” She said. Olasimbo thanked Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Ph.D, GCON the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for being a People’s Speaker and a true HeForShe for his commitment to gender-sensitive leadership. She also acknowledged the support of the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, and praised the strong backing from First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who had publicly declared her full support for the reserved seats for women bill. House Bill 1349 (HB1349) the Reserved Seat Bill for Women, sponsored by deputy speaker Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu CFR is aimed at increasing women’s representation in Nigeria’s political and governance structures. This legislative proposal seeks to reserve a minimum number of seats for women across national and sub-national assemblies, addressing the stark gender imbalance in our political space. The bill proposes one additional seat for women in the Senate and House of Representatives across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).  Three additional seats for women in every State House of Assembly. To sustain and expand momentum for the passage of the bill, six strategic committees were  inaugurated by Rt Hon Abbas Tajudeen to lead advocacy, mobilization, and coordination across all levels of society. These committees form the operational backbone of the campaign and will ensure that advocacy is targeted, inclusive, and sustained across the political and civic spectrum.