Di National Assembly don propose to create 74 extra seats for women for Senate and House of Representatives, alongside three special seats for women for each state House of Assembly.
Di proposal na part of efforts to give women more opportunity to enter politics and take part in decisions wey dey affect Nigeria.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, reveal dis on Monday during di 2026 Law Week wey International Federation of Women Lawyers, Ekiti State chapter, organise.
Di event carry di theme, “Justice in a Changing World: Responding to New Challenges Affecting Women and Children.”
Bamidele, wey represent Ekiti Central Senatorial District, talk say di proposed constitutional amendment dey target barriers wey dey make am difficult for women to participate fully for governance.
E also explain say di proposal go create special seats for women without removing any of di lawmakers wey people don already elect.
How Di 74 Extra Seats Go Work
Under di proposal, Senate go get 37 extra seats, while House of Representatives go also get another 37 seats.
Dis arrangement go make every state for Nigeria, including Federal Capital Territory, get one additional seat for Senate and House of Representatives.
Bamidele explain say di National Assembly don already begin work on di constitutional amendment to make sure say di process involve proper consultation and agreement.
According to am, di proposal no be something wey dem rush put together but one arrangement wey lawmakers don carefully consider.
Three Extra Seats For Each State Assembly
Apart from di 74 seats for National Assembly, di constitution review committee don also propose three additional seats for women for each state House of Assembly.
Di three seats go remain specially reserved for women, and dem no go replace any existing seats.
Bamidele explain say di arrangement go last for 16 years, covering four election periods, before lawmakers carry out a full review to check how e don affect women’s participation for politics.
E also reveal say di committee dey engage state Houses of Assembly because dem need their approval before di constitutional changes fit become law.
Bamidele Explains Why Women Need More Seats
Di Senate Leader insist say di proposal no concern any political party but na constitutional effort to give women better opportunity to take part in government.
E also acknowledge di support and advocacy of important government figures, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
Bamidele argue say democracy no suppose leave more than half of di population outside important decisions wey concern their future.
E say di proposal go help address di low number of women wey dey occupy political positions across di country.
Protection For Women And Children
Apart from women’s political representation, Bamidele also talk about di need to strengthen laws wey protect women, children and people wey dey live with disabilities.
E call for better access to healthcare, education and social support programmes for people wey need am most.
Di Senate Leader also stress say justice suppose dey easy to access, affordable and timely, especially for victims of domestic violence and child abuse.
According to am, women wey suffer domestic violence suppose fit report their cases and get protection without fear or shame.
Children wey experience abuse must also receive protection, medical attention and other support to prevent further harm.
E add say victims suppose get access to legal assistance, medical care and emotional support, while anybody wey commit abuse must face di law.
Bamidele finally call for stronger cooperation between lawmakers, government agencies, courts, security agencies, religious leaders, traditional rulers and civil society organisations to improve protection for women and children.
