In a country of over 200 million people, where women make up nearly half of the population, it is shocking that women hold less than 5% of elected positions in Nigeria’s National Assembly. Despite being at the forefront of activism, caregiving, entrepreneurship, and community development, Nigerian women remain largely excluded from the highest levels of political decision-making.
The Special Seats Bill is a constitutional amendment proposed to the National Assembly, which aims to create reserved legislative seats exclusively for women in both the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) and State Houses of Assembly.
Specifically, the bill proposes one additional Senate seat per state, including the Federal Capital Territory- totalling 37 reserved Senate seats; one additional House of Representatives seat per state- totalling 37 seats; and three reserved seats in each State House of Assembly- totalling 111 seats nationwide. These seats will be exclusively contested by women candidates, creating a pathway for increased female political participation without altering the existing structure of elected positions. This provision is temporary and intended to last for three electoral cycles (12 years).
Nigeria ranks among the lowest in the world for women’s political representation. In the 2023 general elections, the statistics were dismal: only 3 out of 109 Senators were women (about 2.8%); only 14–17 out of 360 Members of the House of Representatives were women (roughly 3.9% to 4.7%); and out of 1,019 female candidates who contested for seats in State Assemblies, only 48 won, reflecting a success rate of just 4.7%.
This severe underrepresentation is not due to a lack of capable or interested women, but rather the result of deeply entrenched structural, cultural, and economic barriers. Women often face limited access to campaign funding, discrimination within political parties, and social norms that discourage female leadership.
The Special Seats Bill is not a permanent fix but a corrective measure designed to give women a fair starting point in the political race. By intentionally creating space for women in governance, the bill seeks to bridge a historic gap and foster a more inclusive democracy.
Nigeria is not alone in this journey. Several African countries have adopted gender quotas or similar temporary special measures and seen significant improvements. Rwanda leads the world, with over 60% of its lawmakers being women. Senegal has reached 46%, while South Africa and Burundi both have over 38–40% female representation. These gains didn’t happen by accident—they were the result of intentional laws and policies that opened the door for women to serve. Nigeria is simply trying to catch up.
If passed, the Special Seats Bill would mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. It would immediately increase the number of women in decision-making positions, serve as a pipeline for future leadership, and allow women to build experience, visibility, and influence. It would also improve the quality of governance, as research consistently shows that diverse legislatures are more responsive to citizens’ needs. Importantly, it would set a precedent for inclusive policymaking, especially in areas that disproportionately affect women and families, such as healthcare, education, and social protection.
The fight for gender equality in politics isn’t just for women, it is for all Nigerians who believe in fairness, progress, and justice. You can help by raising awareness about the bill in your community and on social media, engaging your representatives to support the bill, joining advocacy campaigns pushing for gender inclusion, and sharing information to help others understand its importance.
The Special Seats Bill is not about giving women an unfair advantage, it is about leveling the playing field in a country where the odds have long been stacked against them. Representation matters. And when women lead, nations thrive. By supporting this bill, we’re not just pushing for numbers; we are investing in Nigeria’s future.
Sign The Bill Now!!
