NILDS and partners push the Special Seats for Women Bill to increase female representation in Nigeria’s National Assembly and state legislatures
The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), in collaboration with international partners including UN Women, the Canadian Government, the British High Commission, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, has intensified advocacy for the passage of the Special Seats for Women Bill in Nigeria.
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The bill, currently before the National Assembly, aims to increase female representation across legislative bodies at the national and state levels.
As lawmakers prepare to vote on the clause-by-clause proposals in the weeks ahead, the campaign for the bill has gained renewed momentum.
According to Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General of NILDS, the bill proposes six additional Senate seats one per geo-political zone; 37 additional House of Representatives seats one per state and the Federal Capital Territory; and 108 extra seats across State Houses of Assembly, with three per state.
Speaking at a gala in Abuja to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day, Sulaiman described the bill as “transformative,” emphasising its role in addressing structural gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political institutions.
“No democracy can claim maturity when its decision-making institutions do not reflect the diversity of its people,” he said.
“The Special Seats for Women Bill offers a constitutional pathway to voice, equity, fairness, and justice, empowering women who constitute nearly half of our population.”
Citing examples from other African nations, Sulaiman highlighted Rwanda, Tanzania, and Senegal as models where gender-inclusive policies have significantly increased women’s legislative participation, fostering inclusive governance and stronger policy outcomes.
The gala also marked the launch of Nigeria’s first Women Parliamentary Caucus, an NGO uniting female legislators at both national and state levels.
The caucus aims to provide a platform for women to amplify their voices and advocate for gender-responsive laws.
Support for the bill was echoed by stakeholders, including the British High Commission, Canadian High Commission, UN Women, and the National Council for Women Society, all urging lawmakers to ensure its passage.
First introduced in the 9th National Assembly, the Special Seats for Women Bill was initially rejected in 2022 but reintroduced in the 10th National Assembly as HB 1349, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and others.
It successfully passed second reading in the House on July 9, 2024, and has since received strong support in public hearings and legislative reviews.
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Professor Sulaiman reaffirmed NILDS’ commitment to working with legislators, NGOs, civil society organisations, and international partners to ensure the bill becomes law, highlighting the broader impact of increased women’s participation on Nigeria’s democratic development.
