In a landmark session on Tuesday, the House of Representatives moved to advance a pivotal constitutional amendment aimed at bolstering gender representation in Nigeria’s legislative bodies.
The bill, spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Ben Kalu and supported by 12 colleagues, garnered significant debate on the floor, reflecting both enthusiasm and dissent among lawmakers.
The proposed amendment seeks to amend Sections 48 and 49 of the Constitution, introducing reserved legislative seats exclusively for women at both the national and state levels.
Specifically, it advocates for the creation of one senatorial seat and one House of Representatives seat per state, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), designated solely for female legislators.
Moreover, under the provisions of the bill, Section 91 of the Constitution would be amended to mandate the allocation of three additional seats exclusively for women in each state’s House of Assembly. These seats would be distributed equitably across the three senatorial districts within each state.
The bill proposes a cyclical review, stipulating that these reserved seats would be effective subsequent to the current term of the National Assembly and subject to review every 16 years.
The deliberations on the bill were marked by robust exchanges, with several members expressing opposition alongside fervent support for its implications on gender parity and legislative effectiveness.
The passage of the bill for second reading signifies a critical step forward in the legislative process, highlighting a concerted effort to address gender disparities within Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the bill progresses through subsequent readings and consultations, its potential to reshape the composition of the national and state assemblies stands as a pivotal development in the pursuit of equitable representation.
We will keep you updated as this evolving story continues to unfold within the chambers of Nigeria’s legislative framework, shaping the future of gender inclusivity in governance.