The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, has made a passionate call for the passage of the Special Seats Bill for Women, describing it as a “national necessity” and “a constitutional corrective” that will shape the future of Nigerian democracy.
Speaking through the APC National Woman Leader, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, who represented her at the First Interactive Dialogue Session on the bill held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, the Minister called on lawmakers, civil society, and the media to lend unified support to the long-standing quest for equitable representation of Nigerian women in politics.
The dialogue, attended by lawmakers, gender advocates, and civic stakeholders, sought to galvanize support ahead of legislative action on the bill.
ONLY 4.5% OF FEDERAL LAWMAKERS ARE WOMEN
Drawing attention to the alarmingly low numbers of women in Nigeria’s political leadership, the Minister revealed that only 4 women currently serve in the Senate and 17 in the House of Representatives, representing just 4.5% of the total 469 federal lawmakers in the 10th National Assembly.
At the state level, the figures are no less dismal — only 48 women were elected into 36 State Houses of Assembly in 2023 out of over 1,000 female candidates. Thirteen states, including Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara, currently have no female legislators at all.
“When no woman sits at the table, their stories remain untold, their needs unmet, their futures uncertain,” she said in a moving portion of her address.
“If not women, who? If not now, when will justice finally come?”
NOT A FAVOUR, BUT A NATIONAL IMPERATIVE
The Minister was unequivocal in stating that the Special Seats Bill is not a handout, but an urgent correction to decades of underrepresentation in Nigeria’s democratic structure.
“This bill is about justice, representation, and the sustainable development of Nigeria,” she said. “It is a legacy we must deliver for generations to come.”
She commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for prioritizing the bill on the national agenda, and hailed Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his consistent advocacy. Appreciation was also extended to Senator Ireti Kingibe, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, and Hon. Fati Talba, leaders of relevant gender-focused committees, for their tireless work.
ACKNOWLEDGING RENEWED HOPE AGENDA
The Minister also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda, which she said has positively impacted women, children, and families, laying a solid foundation for gender equality across sectors.
A DEFINING MOMENT FOR NIGERIA
The dialogue session ended with a resounding call to action. “Let it be said that Nigeria chose wisdom over exclusion. That we opened the door to 100 million dreams,” the Minister declared. “The Special Seats Bill will not just empower women—it will strengthen homes, nurture peace, and ignite the full genius of our nation.”
As the 10th National Assembly continues deliberation on the bill, Nigerian women, advocacy groups, and key lawmakers are hopeful that this moment marks the beginning of a more inclusive democratic journey.
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