‘The World Has Left Us Behind’, FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe Laments Nigeria’s Poor Female Representation

The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, Ireti Kingibe, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s poor global ranking in women’s political representation, stressing that the country lags behind not just globally but also within Africa despite being touted as the continent’s giant.

Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Tuesday, Kingibe updated viewers on her performance in the National Assembly and revealed her growing confidence in navigating Senate activities after one year in office.

“One year later, I am able to manoeuvre my way better in the Senate. I am not as intimidated. I’ve been able to hold my own and relate with my colleagues,” she said.

However, she lamented that despite her efforts to advocate for their interests, residents of the FCT were still not faring as well as they should.

“The people of FCT are not doing as well as they can. I have brought several motions in the last two years,” she noted.

She disclosed that one of her most significant legislative efforts was a gender equity bill currently progressing to second reading in the Senate. The proposed legislation seeks to promote equal representation and participation of women in all sectors of national life.

“Right now, I have a gender bill for gender equity, supporting all women in all spheres of life. It’s going to go to second reading, and it’s not just about women; it’s about the whole country,” Kingibe explained.

She emphasised that Nigeria’s poor record on women’s inclusion has not only affected the country domestically but has also become a liability on the international stage.

“It is now a policy in international parliaments and fora that any country that doesn’t have women in its delegation is not properly represented, and therefore, they do not let us participate,” she revealed.

According to Kingibe, Nigeria ranks “at the bottom of everything globally” when it comes to women’s representation, adding that even within Africa, the country has fallen behind.

“The world has left us behind in that respect. Africa, which we are supposed to be the giant of, has left us behind in terms of women’s representation,” she said.

Only four women currently serve in the Nigerian Senate, a statistic Kingibe described as unfortunate but unchangeable until the next election cycle.

Nonetheless, she revealed that discussions were ongoing around a proposed constitution amendment that would create 74 special legislative seats for women, running across four electoral cycles (16 years) with a sunset clause.

“There’s a constitution amendment we’re hoping to scale through, 74 special seats which should run for four cycles. There will be a sunset clause after 16 years. Each state and the FCT will get one Senate seat and one additional House of Reps member, if the constitution amendment passes before 2027,” Ireti Kingibe stated.