A coalition of women-led organizations in Nigeria is pushing for a constitutional amendment that will guarantee additional reserved seats for women in the National Assembly and state Houses of Assembly.

The proposal was presented during a Senate Constitutional Review public hearing held on Tuesday in Kano State. Dr. Mohamed Mustapha Yahya, who led the presentation, spoke on behalf of groups like FIDA, RAPA, WACOL, PONGWAN, and WOWIKAN.

The proposed Gender Bill seeks to tackle the low number of women in elected offices across the country. Despite women making up nearly half of Nigeria’s voting population (45-49%), their representation in political offices remains extremely low.

Key Proposals in the Bill Include:

37 additional Senate seats (1 per state and the FCT) exclusively for women.

47 reserved seats for women in the House of Representatives (1 for every 3 senatorial districts).

3 extra seats in each State House of Assembly based on the three senatorial zones per state.

Dr. Yahya said the aim is to ensure gender balance in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“Democracy is about numbers. Women make up almost half the voters, yet they are barely seen in government positions,” he said.

Habiba Ahmed, a Senior Programs Officer at Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), called on lawmakers to pass and implement the bill. She also stressed the need for electoral reforms, especially in how the INEC chairman is appointed, to boost the credibility of future elections.

“We want the government to accept, pass, and follow through with this bill so we can finally see meaningful female participation in politics,” Ahmed added.

If passed, this bill would be a historic step toward greater inclusion of Nigerian women in governance and decision-making at all levels.