The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has emphasised the importance of women’s representation and their crucial role in national development, describing lack of female participation in politics as a missed opportunity for progress.
Senator Akpabio also acknowledged the significant contributions women make in leadership and governance, describing them as “better managers” and strong decision-makers.
The Senate President made the remarks during an advocacy visit to his office on Wednesday in Abuja by a group of women activists under the aegis of the “Reserved Seats for Women Bill,” led by Osasu Igbinedion.
He lamented the challenges women face in political spaces, pointing out that women themselves often do not vote for female candidates—an obstacle he said must be addressed to enable greater female participation in political representation.
“We all came from women. Personally, I am blessed with four beautiful daughters. The success of this bill will open the doors to greater political participation for our female children,” he said, while advising the advocates to intensify efforts to gain more support for the bill’s passage.
In her speech, Mrs Igbinedion said the visit was to speak on behalf of millions of Nigerian women comprising farmers, entrepreneurs, market traders, doctors, teachers, and mothers whose voices have for too long been underrepresented in the highest chambers of democracy.
“The Reserved Seats for Women Bill offers us a rare opportunity to correct that historic imbalance — to finally give women a seat at the table where national decisions are made.
“Nigeria currently ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s representation in parliament, with women occupying less than 5% of seats in the National Assembly. This is not just a gender issue — it is a governance issue, a democracy issue, and a development issue.
“The evidence is clear: when women are involved in policymaking, we see stronger communities, more inclusive legislation, and better outcomes in health, education, and peacebuilding. Representation matters — not just symbolically, but substantively.
“This bill is not asking for charity; it is calling for justice. It is not about reducing the space for men; it is about expanding the possibilities for Nigeria. By creating reserved seats for women, we are not limiting merit — we are correcting systemic exclusion,” Igbinedion said.
She described the endorsement of the bill by the Senate President as one that will be a turning point. “It will send a powerful message across Nigeria — that this Senate is ready to lead with integrity, legislate with empathy, and act with boldness in pursuit of equality.”
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