In a nation where women constitute nearly half the population, their representation in Nigerian politics remains strikingly low, with less than 5% of federal legislative seats held by women. To address this systemic exclusion, the Reserved Seat for Women Bill, currently under consideration, proposes creating additional seats exclusively for women in the National Assembly and state legislatures. This article explores the bill’s details, the current state of women’s representation, the arguments for and against it, and its potential to transform Nigeria’s political landscape.
Current State of Women’s Representation
Nigeria’s political arena is heavily male-dominated. As of 2025, only 4 out of 109 senators (3.67%) and 16 out of 360 House of Representatives members (4.44%) are women, according to DW. At the state level, women hold just 4.8% of assembly seats, and all 36 state governors are men. This stark underrepresentation contrasts with global averages, where women occupy about 25% of parliamentary seats, and with African nations like Rwanda, where women hold over 60% of seats due to quota systems (Carnegie Endowment).
The low representation limits women’s influence on policy-making, perpetuating gender disparities in areas like education and healthcare. The proposed bill seeks to address this gap, aligning with Nigeria’s National Gender Policy of 2006, which targets 35% female representation in elective positions.
Historical Efforts for Gender Inclusion
Efforts to increase women’s political participation in Nigeria have faced significant hurdles. In 2022, five gender-related bills, including one for reserved seats, were rejected by the male-dominated National Assembly, sparking protests (VOA News). The National Gender Policy’s 35% target has seen slow progress, with cultural norms, financial barriers, and political violence often cited as obstacles. The current bill represents a renewed push to overcome these challenges through constitutional reform.
The Reserved Seat for Women Bill
The Reserved Seat for Women Bill, which passed its second reading in July 2024, proposes significant changes to Nigeria’s legislative structure. According to a PLACNG factsheet, it aims to create:
- 37 additional Senate seats (one per state and the Federal Capital Territory).
- 74 additional House of Representatives seats (two per state and FCT).
- 108 additional state assembly seats (three per state).
These 111 federal and 108 state seats would be contested exclusively by women for 16 years, spanning four election cycles, after which the measure may be reviewed. The bill amends Sections 48, 49, and 91 of the 1999 Constitution and is expected to be finalized by December 2025, as stated by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas (The Journal Nigeria).
Arguments in Favor
Proponents argue that the bill is essential for dismantling systemic barriers to women’s political participation. Gender rights advocate Osasu Igbinedion Ogwuche told DW that the current 4.3% female representation in federal legislatures is “exclusion, not representation.” The bill could diversify legislative agendas, prioritizing issues like education, maternal health, and anti-corruption, as seen in countries like Rwanda, where women’s leadership has driven progressive policies (Carnegie Endowment).
Stakeholders in states like Adamawa and Sokoto have endorsed the bill, with the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) rallying support (Daily Post Nigeria). Economically, reducing gender inequality could boost Nigeria’s GDP by 23% by 2025, according to McKinsey.
Arguments Against
Critics raise concerns about the bill’s cost and implementation. Adding 219 seats could strain Nigeria’s budget, though a PLAC study estimates the cost at less than 1% of the annual budget. Some argue that reserved seats may not address root causes like cultural biases or political violence, potentially leading to tokenism (The Conversation). Others worry that women elected to reserved seats might be proxies for male politicians, undermining the bill’s intent. Resistance from male legislators, as seen during the 2024 debates, also poses a challenge (allAfrica).
Current Status and Outlook
As of June 2025, the bill is under active consideration, with strong advocacy from groups like FIDA and campaigns like Reserved Seats for Women (Reserved Seats Campaign). The National Assembly aims to finalize constitutional amendments by December 2025. If passed, the bill could significantly increase women’s representation, potentially reaching 20–30% in the National Assembly, depending on women’s success in regular seats. However, overcoming cultural resistance and ensuring effective implementation will be critical to its success.
Path Forward
The Reserved Seat for Women Bill offers a historic opportunity to advance gender equality in Nigerian politics. By creating a platform for women’s voices, it could reshape policy priorities and strengthen democracy. Continued advocacy, public education, and measures to address cultural and logistical barriers will be essential to ensure that the bill not only passes but also achieves its transformative potential.
References
- Nigeria: Can a Gender Bill Bring Political Inclusion? | DW
- Why Women Haven’t Been Successful in Nigerian Elections | Carnegie
- Nigeria’s Constitution Review Prioritizes Women’s Inclusion | VOA
- Factsheet on Specific Seats Bill | PLACNG
- Nigeria’s Gender Gap in Parliament | The Journal Nigeria
- Adamawa Stakeholders Back Reserved Seats Bill | Daily Post
- Bill to Create Extra Seats for Women Passes Second Reading | allAfrica
- Reserved Seats for Women Campaign
- Why Adding Seats for Women Isn’t Enough | The Conversation
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