Nigeria’s National Assembly has proposed the creation of 74 additional legislative seats for women in the Senate and House of Representatives, alongside three reserved seats for women in each state House of Assembly, as part of ongoing efforts to improve women’s representation in politics.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this on Monday, November 2, 2026, during the 2026 Law Week organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ekiti State Chapter.
Bamidele, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said the proposal forms part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process aimed at making Nigeria’s political system more inclusive.
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According to him, the proposed arrangement would introduce 37 additional seats in the Senate and another 37 in the House of Representatives, with each state and the Federal Capital Territory expected to have one additional seat in both chambers.
Proposal Includes Three Reserved Seats for Women in State Assemblies
Beyond the National Assembly, the constitutional review committee has also proposed three additional seats reserved for women in each state House of Assembly.
Bamidele explained that the special seats would be created without displacing existing elected representatives, allowing women to gain greater access to legislative positions.
He added that the proposed arrangement would remain in place for 16 years, covering four electoral cycles, before a comprehensive review of its effectiveness.
The Senate Leader described the initiative as the outcome of extensive consultations and consensus-building, stressing that the constitutional amendment process was being handled carefully to ensure a thorough and inclusive review.
He said the committee was also engaging with state Houses of Assembly, whose approval is constitutionally required for the proposed amendments to become law.
Bamidele Explains Purpose of Special Seats Initiative
Bamidele maintained that the proposal was not a partisan political project but an effort to address the underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s decision-making institutions.
He argued that a democratic system should provide opportunities for different segments of society to participate in governance, noting that women constitute a significant proportion of the population.
The Senate Leader also acknowledged the advocacy of senior government figures, including First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in strengthening support for greater female participation in politics.
According to him, the proposed special seats are intended to provide a pathway for women to contribute more directly to lawmaking and national development.
Constitutional Review Also Targets Protection of Women and Children
Beyond political representation, Bamidele highlighted the need for stronger legislative measures to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women, children and persons with disabilities.
He said legislative interventions should improve access to healthcare, education, social protection and other essential services for disadvantaged members of society.
The Senate Leader further stressed that victims of domestic violence and child abuse should have access to legal assistance, medical care and psychosocial support without intimidation or discrimination.
He added that perpetrators should be held accountable in accordance with due process and the rule of law.
Proposal Yet to Become Law
The proposed special seats for women remain part of the ongoing review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. The arrangement will require the necessary constitutional approval before it can be implemented.
If eventually approved, the proposal would expand legislative representation by creating additional seats specifically reserved for women at the federal and state levels.
The outcome of the constitutional amendment process will determine whether the proposal becomes part of Nigeria’s legal framework and how the special seats will operate.
For now, the initiative represents one of the major proposals being considered as lawmakers seek to address concerns about women’s participation in the country’s political system.
