CSO Leader Decries 10th National Assembly’s Delay In Passing Women’s Seats Bill

Co-convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Mma Odi, has cautioned that the 10th National Assembly could conclude its tenure without leaving a meaningful legacy if it does not pass the proposed bill for special legislative seats for women, describing the legislation as a crucial benchmark for lawmakers.

In an interview on ARISE News on Friday, Odi expressed concern over the extended delay in passing the bill, noting that it reflects a lack of urgency on an issue central to improving women’s representation in governance.

She emphasized that approving the bill could stand out as the defining accomplishment of the current Assembly.

“The only way they can actually have a legacy… is to pass that bill,” she said.

Odi called on lawmakers to prioritize the bill as a matter of national importance rather than treating it as a routine political process linked to election cycles.

She further argued that the responsibility goes beyond the National Assembly, urging members to ensure that state Houses of Assembly also adopt the measure to secure full constitutional support.

“They should not only pass the bill, they should also go to their Houses of Assembly… to also pass the bill,” she added.

According to her, the delay weakens ongoing efforts to address the historical underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s political leadership.

Describing the bill as both urgent and vital to national progress, Odi urged legislators to approach it with the seriousness of a national emergency.

“They should take it as a very national emergency,” she said.

She warned that failure to pass the legislation would amount to yet another missed opportunity for the Assembly.

“If they refuse to pass the bill, it will be another failure on their part,” she stated.

Odi also affirmed that civil society organisations will continue to advocate and apply pressure until the bill is passed, maintaining that women’s inclusion in governance is non-negotiable