The push for greater representation of women in Nigerian politics gained fresh momentum on Tuesday as the House of Representatives ramped up support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill. Backing the initiative, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) called it a milestone moment for Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at a press briefing at the National Assembly, UNDP Nigeria Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, highlighted the glaring gender gap in political leadership. Despite making up nearly half of the country’s population, women occupy less than five percent of the seats in the National Assembly.
Attafuah drew inspiration from the recent victory of the Super Falcons, saying their success speaks volumes about the strength, skill, and leadership women bring—not just in sports but in every corner of society.
“Their win wasn’t just a celebration of talent, it was a wake-up call,” she said. “We know that when women have a seat at the table, better decisions are made, communities thrive, and trust in leadership grows. Other countries have shown that reserving seats works—it’s time Nigeria did too.”
She reaffirmed the UNDP’s commitment to helping drive the bill forward through technical support, policy advice, and public engagement. “This isn’t just about legislation—it’s about unlocking the full potential of half the population,” she added.
Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, co-sponsored the bill. She explained that the proposed law would grant one additional seat in the Senate and House of Representatives for women in each of the 36 states and the FCT. It also includes three extra seats for women in every State House of Assembly.
Importantly, the bill includes measures for inclusion—providing opportunities for young women, women with disabilities, and those from underrepresented communities. The implementation would be handled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with a planned review after four electoral cycles.
“This isn’t just about increasing numbers,” Ogbara said. “It’s about creating space for women to shape policies that affect their lives and the lives of others. When women are in leadership, entire communities benefit.”
She also revealed a separate proposal to increase the participation of women in national security forces to at least 15 percent—covering the police, army, air force, and civil defence corps.
The Reserved Seats for Women Bill aims to bring Nigeria closer to global standards on gender equality and fulfill international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals—especially Goal 5, which focuses on empowering women and girls.
The message is clear: women in Nigeria are ready to lead. Now, it’s time for the law to catch up.
