NIGERIA, ABUJA – Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for stakeholder support to pass gender-based bills that reserve political seats for women.
Speaking during a town hall and strategic roundtable in Abuja, Abbas described the event as a “deliberate moment of clarity” aimed at confronting women’s underrepresentation in Nigerian politics.
He said the initiative aligns with Agenda 6 of the 10th House Legislative Agenda, which emphasizes inclusion, representation, and an open parliament for all Nigerians.
“The statistics on women’s underrepresentation are dismal,” Abbas said. “The proposals before the National Assembly are both urgent and pragmatic.”
Truth Live News gathered that the proposed bills HB 1189, HB 1349, and HB 1421 recommend additional senatorial and representative seats exclusively for women in each state and the Federal Capital Territory.
In global context, Abbas stressed the importance of temporary special measures, noting that countries across all continents use similar tools to fix systemic gender imbalances without weakening democratic values.
“These proposals don’t subtract from democracy—they expand it,” Abbas asserted. “No state loses a seat; we’re building bridges, not barriers.”
He also noted that logistical and financial challenges limit female political participation, especially for first-time aspirants, who often lack resources compared to their male counterparts.
Critics argue for open competition, but Abbas countered that cultural bias, political violence, and economic disparity create an uneven playing field for women.
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“Until there’s a level playing field, temporary measures are necessary. These bills include a sunset clause for review after 16 years,” he explained.
According to Leadership Newspaper, Abbas unveiled a Working and Strategy Advocacy Committee to mobilize governors, party leaders, and traditional institutions in support of the bills.
The committee, made up of the House Committees on Women Affairs and Women in Parliament, will simplify bill language, coordinate public campaigns, and track legislative progress.
To institutionalize gender inclusion, Abbas proposed setting up Reserved Seats Desks in the House, Senate, and state legislatures for follow-up and coordination.
He concluded, “By moving from enthusiasm to structure, we ensure steady and sustained progress in women’s political inclusion—nationally and globally.”