Women Journalists push for urgent passage of special seats bill in Nigeria

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, Plateau State Chapter, has called for the urgent passage of the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria, describing the proposal as vital to strengthening inclusive governance in Nigeria.

The call was contained in a press statement jointly signed by Grace Akwe Gotip, Chairperson of NAWOJ Plateau State Chapter, and Mwuesa Adem, Secretary, made available to Journalists on Tuesday in Jos, aligned the state chapter with the national leadership’s demand for immediate legislative action.

The association noted that Nigeria’s persistent underrepresentation of women in legislative chambers remains a serious democratic deficit that requires urgent policy intervention.

“The Special Seats Bill is not about privilege. It is about justice. It is about correcting historical imbalance. It is about strengthening democracy,” the statement said.

The group urged Senators and Members representing Plateau State at the National Assembly to rise above partisan considerations and support the bill without delay, while also calling on the Plateau State House of Assembly to publicly support national efforts aimed at increasing women’s political representation.

The chapter said it would intensify advocacy through stakeholder engagement, media campaigns, and collaboration with women groups, civil society organisations and community leaders across the state.

“A vote for the Special Seats Bill is a vote for equity. A vote for the Special Seats Bill is a vote for inclusive governance. A vote for the Special Seats Bill is a vote for a stronger Nigeria,” the statement added.