First Lady Calls for Passage of Bill to Boost Women’s Representation in National Assembly

In a bold push for gender inclusion in governance, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged the Senate and House of Representatives to pass a bill aimed at creating additional seats for women in the National Assembly.

The proposed legislation, which has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives, seeks to introduce 74 special seats exclusively for women. Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and 12 other lawmakers, the bill aims to amend sections 48, 49, 71, and 117 of the constitution to allocate one reserved seat for women in both the Senate and House of Representatives for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the ‘Art for Governance’ exhibition on Monday, an event organized by the Deputy Speaker’s office in collaboration with ElectHER—an advocacy group championing women’s empowerment—the First Lady emphasized the need for greater female representation in the legislature.

Represented by Fatima Abbas, wife of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Mrs. Tinubu underscored the vital role women play in national progress and governance, despite their current underrepresentation.

“In governance and inclusion, this initiative provides a unique opportunity to highlight the urgent need for increased female participation in leadership and decision-making,” she stated.

“The artworks displayed today advocate for a Nigeria where political leadership truly mirrors its diverse population. Affirmative action bills like this are crucial for amplifying the message of inclusion.”

Highlighting the significance of gender parity, she reiterated her support for the affirmative action bill, which mandates at least 35 percent representation for women in both legislative and executive arms of government.

“Ensuring that women have a stronger voice in policy-making, decision-making, and national development is not just a matter of justice; it is a necessity for stable and sustainable growth,” she added.

Mrs. Tinubu called on lawmakers to fast-track the passage of the bill, pledging her continued commitment to gender inclusion and nation-building. She also appealed to civil society organizations and the public to back the initiative, emphasizing that women’s voices must be heard in governance.

In his remarks, Deputy Speaker Kalu stressed the need to dismantle systemic barriers hindering women’s participation in politics and governance.

“Today, we have the power to address one of the most pressing challenges in Nigeria’s democracy—the underrepresentation of women in governance,” Kalu said. “Women have demonstrated resilience and strength in their quest for leadership, yet they continue to face obstacles. But barriers can be broken. This exhibition is more than a cultural showcase; it is an advocacy tool and a movement for change.”

Ibijoke Faborode, CEO of ElectHER and lead curator of the exhibition, reinforced the importance of gender-inclusive governance in fostering stronger democratic institutions, improved policy outcomes, and broader socio-economic development.

She pointed out that Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of female political representation in Africa, with women making up nearly 50 percent of the population but holding less than 4 percent of seats in the National Assembly.

“As we approach the 2027 elections, bold legislative reforms like the reserved seats bill can be a game-changer for socio-economic transformation,” Faborode stated. “This is not just about passing a bill; it’s about reshaping Nigeria’s democratic landscape to reflect the full potential of its people.”