Constitution Review: UK Pushes For Greater Women Representation In Nigeria’s Parliament

As the constitution review exercise gains momentum in both chambers of the National Assembly, the United Kingdom branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has expressed support for a bill seeking special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.

The call for the passage of the bill, which seeks a constitutional amendment to enhance women’s inclusion in governance, was made by some members of the UK Parliament during a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in Abuja on Monday.

The leader of the delegation, Kate Ofunne Osamor, advocated for the bill’s consideration and passage, stating that the UK branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association strongly supports legislative efforts aimed at improving women’s participation in governance.

“The delegation before you is a cross-party group from the House of Commons and the House of Lords in the United Kingdom, under the aegis of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

“The purpose of this visit is to seek your support for the special seats for women in parliament by ensuring that the bills already sponsored for this purpose are considered and passed,” she said.

The bill, initially introduced in the 9th National Assembly and reintroduced in the 10th Assembly, seeks to amend Sections 77(1) and 117(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Specifically, it proposes the creation of 37 new seats in the Senate—one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The House of Representatives would gain 74 additional seats—two for each state and the FCT. Additionally, it envisions the creation of 108 extra seats across State Houses of Assembly nationwide, allocating three per state.

In response, the President of the Senate assured the delegation that the bill would be given due consideration.

“In the 10th National Assembly, we have legislated with the steel of conviction. We have laboured tirelessly to ensure that democracy is not a mere abstraction but a living, breathing force that transforms lives.

“Inclusive governance is part of our legislative agenda, and in the spirit of unity, we have embraced the rich tapestry of our nation’s diversity.

“Our policies reflect the hopes and dreams of all Nigerians, strengthening the bonds that hold us together and ensuring that no citizen is left behind,” Akpabio stated.