UK wants 37 new seats created for women 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 strong support for a bill seeking to create special seats for women in Nigeria’s National and State Houses of Assembly.

The delegation, led by Kate Osamor emphasised the need for increased women’s representation in governance during a courtesy visit to Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President in Abuja on Monday.

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

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

The proposed legislation, initially introduced in the 9th National Assembly and re-sponsored in the 10th Assembly, seeks an amendment to Sections 77(1) and 117(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Specifically, the bill aims to establish 37 new seats in the Senate—one for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

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Additionally, the House of Representatives would see an increase of 74 seats, with two allocated per state and the FCT.

At State level, the bill envisions the creation of 108 additional seats across State Houses of Assembly, ensuring three seats per State.

Responding, Akpabio assured the delegation that the bill would receive due consideration, underscoring the National Assembly’s commitment to inclusive governance.

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

He further affirmed, “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.”

The push for increased female representation in Nigeria’s legislature aligns with global efforts to bridge gender gaps in political participation.