WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTER PUSHES FOR PASSAGE OF WOMEN’S SPECIAL SEATS BILL AT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OPEN WEEK
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for the swift passage of the proposed Women’s Special Seats Bill, stating that Nigeria must address the underrepresentation of the gender in governance to deepen democracy and accelerate national development.
The Minister made the call in a goodwill message delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Asanye Esuabana during the 2026 National Assembly Open Week in Abuja.
She commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for institutionalising the National Assembly Open Week, describing it as a platform that promotes transparency, accountability, citizens’ engagement and democratic governance.
The Minister noted that while the 10th Assembly’s scorecard reflects growing democratic maturity, deliberate policies are needed to guarantee greater inclusion of women in elective positions.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, she disclosed that high-level engagements with Governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have produced breakthroughs, including the emergence of female candidates in Imo and Katsina States, and a female Deputy Governorship candidate in Lagos State.
She noted that these milestones show that political will, backed by sustained advocacy, can dismantle barriers limiting women’s participation in politics.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment, the Minister said it will work closely with the National Assembly, development partners, and Civil Society Organizations to ensure the constitutional reforms on the Women’s Special Seats Bill achieve lasting impact.
On the proposed Electoral College model, Suleiman-Ibrahim stated that although the mechanism evolved through compromise, the objective of expanding women’s representation remains unchanged.
She explained that the proposal for 12 additional Senate seats, 37 House of Representatives seats, and 108 State House of Assembly seats under a 16-year sunset clause offers a strategic opportunity to reverse the systemic exclusion of women from legislative decision-making.
To protect the integrity of the process, the Minister called for robust provisions in the Electoral Act to prevent manipulation and ensure accountability.
She further announced the revival of Women Political Empowerment Centres in the six geopolitical zones. The Centres, to be managed with Civil Society Organizations, will provide leadership development, technical training, mentorship, and campaign support for aspiring women leaders across all political parties.
According to the Ministry’s Head, Press and Public Relations,
Ahmed Danbazau, “the National Assembly Open Week demonstrates the legislature’s commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance.
While the mechanism has changed, the mission remains. The Women’s Special Seats Bill provides Nigeria a historic opportunity to end the systemic exclusion of women from legislative decision-making.
Women’s political empowerment transcends partisan politics. It is a national development imperative. By reviving the Women Political Empowerment Centres, we are building a pipeline of competent and capable women leaders who will shape Nigeria’s future,” she said.
The Honourable Minister congratulated the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and urged stakeholders to build consensus around constitutional reforms that will guarantee inclusive representation and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
