Abuja: The call for the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill for women in Nigeria has gained significant momentum as both the government and stakeholders throw their support behind the proposed constitutional amendment. At a news conference on Monday in Abuja, Osasu Igbinedion-Ogwuche, Chief Executive Officer of TOS Group, emphasised that the Reserved Seats for Women Bill was not just a policy. She described it as a transformative step toward increasing female representation in Nigeria's political leadership.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, more than 10 million Nigerians have been mobilised across the 36 states and the FCT, with a 'ground-shattering' turnout recorded at the Zonal Public Hearing in April. The bill, which is scheduled for its third reading in October and could reach the president's desk before the end of the year, has received widespread and unprecedented support across regions, religions, and political parties. Igbinedion-Ogwuche stressed that legislation does not pass by a plot but by pressure, precision, and presence, highlighting that the bill is a nation-building imperative rather than merely a women's issue.
She further asserted that when countries invest in women's political leadership, they gain stronger economies, safer communities, and more resilient democracies. Despite women making up 50 per cent of the population, they hold less than 5 per cent of federal legislative seats. This bill is about representation and justice, and she urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the bill once it reached his desk, emphasizing that his signature would symbolize justice, inclusion, and the full dignity of every Nigerian.
Dr Abiodun Essiet, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), also spoke at the event, underscoring the reserved seats initiative as crucial for promoting inclusion and addressing gender imbalance in Nigeria's political representation. Dr Elisha Attai, Regional Director of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) for ECOWAS, expressed appreciation to the President, National Assembly, and State Assemblies for their support of the initiative, stating that supporting what is right is about equity, not politics.
Ms. Joy Akut, Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives on Youth and Women Affairs, voiced support as well, representing North Central women and adding their voice in support of the bill. She described it as a step in the right direction.