By Hassanat Adebowale
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has called for widespread support for the Seat Reservation in Parliament Bill, which aims to address the underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s legislative bodies.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Levinus Nwabughiogu, Kalu emphasized that the bill is designed to dismantle systemic barriers that have historically excluded women from political participation. He described the legislation as a transformative step toward creating a legislature that reflects the nation’s diversity.
“Let me be clear: this is not about charity—it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity,” Kalu stated. He explained that the bill seeks to reserve seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes.
Kalu highlighted the historical marginalization of women in Nigeria’s political landscape, noting that their potential has often been untapped. “The rationale behind the Seat Reservation for Women Bill is rooted in the understanding that a representative government must reflect the people it serves,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker described the bill as a strategic intervention to correct the imbalance in representation, asserting that women’s inclusion is essential for achieving sustainable national development.
He added that societies thrive when women participate fully in governance, as their perspectives contribute to more equitable and comprehensive policymaking.
“In the spirit of the Beijing Declaration, we reaffirm our commitment to not just acknowledge but actively transform the systems that perpetuate inequality,” Kalu said. He urged lawmakers and stakeholders to support the bill, which he sponsors under the designation HB1349.
Kalu expressed concern over the lack of female representation in Nigeria’s legislative bodies, pointing out that 15 states have failed to produce female lawmakers. At the National Assembly, women constitute only 3.6 percent of the Senate and 4.7 percent of the House of Representatives.
He reiterated the need for legal protections and affirmative action, describing the provisions in the bill as essential tools in the fight against discrimination. “These are not mere tokens but instruments of justice and a testament to our collective refusal to accept the status quo,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the challenges ahead but vowed to remain steadfast in pursuing gender equality. “The path toward gender equality is fraught with challenges, but it is also rich with opportunities.
We must continue to dismantle systemic barriers and build institutions that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of our people,” he concluded.
GI’s Legal Corner
Affirmative action laws, like seat reservations, are widely accepted as effective tools for addressing historical inequalities. Many countries have adopted similar measures, proving their value in promoting democratic inclusivity.
For such a law to succeed in Nigeria, however, it will require strong constitutional support, clear implementation strategies, and unwavering political commitment to ensure its enforcement.
The discussion around the Seat Reservation in Parliament Bill is likely to focus on the need for constitutional amendments, the political will to drive change, and whether society is ready to embrace gender-balanced representation.
If passed, the bill could set a significant legal precedent for tackling gender disparities in Nigerian governance and reaffirm the country’s dedication to equal representation in leadership.
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