Senate Proposes 74 New Seats for Women in Nigeria’s National Assembly

Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the leader of the Senate, announced on Monday that a committee in the National Assembly is proposing to create 74 additional seats for women in Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives. This proposal aims to increase women’s representation in the country’s political landscape.

During the 2026 Law Week organized by the International Federation of Women Lawyers in Ekiti State, Bamidele explained that the proposal includes three extra seats in each State House of Assembly, specifically reserved for women, without removing any existing seats. He emphasized that these proposals are part of a broader effort to enhance women’s inclusion in governance.

The senator stated that a bill is being prepared to amend the Constitution to establish these special seats for women. He noted that this initiative is the result of thorough discussions and aims to be a well-planned reform rather than a rushed decision.

If approved, each state, including the Federal Capital Territory, would gain one additional seat in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The proposal also includes three additional seats in each State House of Assembly, reserved for women, for a period of 16 years, which will allow for a future review of the arrangement.

Bamidele highlighted that this initiative is not about political parties but is a necessary step for democracy. He pointed out that excluding women from decision-making is a flaw in democracy and that the government must support vulnerable groups, including women and children, through various programs.

He further stressed the importance of ensuring that justice is accessible to all, especially for women facing domestic violence and children who are victims of abuse. Bamidele called for a legal system that provides timely support and protection for victims while holding perpetrators accountable.