Women May Get 74 Additional National Assembly Seats Under New Constitutional Proposal

Women could secure 74 additional seats in Nigeria’s National Assembly and three reserved seats in each state House of Assembly if a proposed constitutional amendment by the 10th National Assembly is approved.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed the proposal on Monday during the 2026 Law Week organised by the Ekiti State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).

Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District and serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said the initiative was designed to increase women’s participation in politics and strengthen their representation in legislative decision-making.

Under the proposal, 37 additional seats would be created in the Senate and another 37 in the House of Representatives. Each state and the Federal Capital Territory would therefore have one additional seat reserved for women in both chambers.

The proposal also seeks to introduce three additional women-only seats in every state House of Assembly, without affecting the existing seats occupied by elected lawmakers.

Bamidele explained that the arrangement would operate for 16 years, covering four electoral cycles, after which its effectiveness would be reviewed.

He described the proposed arrangement as a temporary affirmative-action measure intended to create more opportunities for women in politics and encourage a more inclusive political system.

According to the Senate leader, the constitutional amendment proposal was receiving attention at the National Assembly and had been developed following consultations with relevant stakeholders.

He also clarified that the initiative was not designed to favour any political party but was aimed at addressing the low representation of women in Nigeria’s political leadership.

Bamidele further disclosed that the National Assembly was engaging state Houses of Assembly because their approval is constitutionally required before the proposed amendment can become law.

He noted that the initiative would require cooperation among lawmakers at both federal and state levels to achieve the intended changes.

The Senate leader also called for stronger legislation and government policies to protect women, children and persons with disabilities, particularly in areas involving healthcare, education, social welfare and access to justice.

He stressed that women experiencing domestic violence should be able to seek protection without intimidation or public condemnation, while children subjected to abuse must receive adequate protection and support.

Bamidele maintained that justice should be accessible, affordable and timely, adding that victims must have access to legal assistance, medical attention and psychosocial support, while perpetrators should be held accountable under the law.

He urged the legislature, executive, judiciary, security agencies, religious organisations, traditional institutions, civil society groups and the private sector to work together to strengthen protections for vulnerable Nigerians.

The Senate leader also encouraged FIDA to collaborate with the National Assembly by identifying gaps in existing legislation and recommending reforms that would improve the protection of women and children.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, called for stronger laws to address emerging forms of abuse involving artificial intelligence and digital platforms.

She warned that technology had created additional risks, including cyberstalking, online harassment, the circulation of fake images, impersonation and the exploitation of children.

Similarly, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, emphasised the need for legislative and policy reforms to improve the protection of women and children.

In her welcome address, FIDA Chairperson in Ekiti State, Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to defending the rights of women and children, noting that changing social realities had created increasingly complex challenges to their safety and dignity.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the proposed constitutional amendment would introduce additional reserved legislative seats for women for a 16-year period if it secures the necessary approval from the National and state legislatures.