By Umar Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria, March 24, 2026(Series News Online)
The Kebbi State chapter of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILWV) has appealed to the state's National Assembly members to support a constitutional amendment bill seeking special seats for women in the legislature.
Led by Chairperson Mrs. Blessing Michael, the group made the appeal during an advocacy visit to federal lawmakers Alhaji Bello Ka'oje and Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad-Bello on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.
"The proposed legislation, sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, aims to address the glaring underrepresentation of women in elective positions," Michael said. "Women currently occupy less than five per cent of seats in the National Assembly, a major democratic deficit that requires urgent attention."
The bill proposes 37 additional Senate seats and 37 House of Representatives seats to be contested exclusively by women, as well as three extra seats for women in each State House of Assembly.
"If passed, the amendment will significantly enhance women's political participation and representation in governance and decision-making," Michael said. "It will also align Nigeria with global commitments, particularly Goal 5 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality."
Muhammad-Bello, one of the lawmakers, pledged to champion the bill, saying, "As a representative of the people, including women, I receive this request and pledge to pursue it until it comes to fruition."
He commended the group for its advocacy, adding, "It is not easy to advocate for the rights of women, but it is the right thing to do."
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Women Groups