From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House is committed to creating special seats for women and Persons living With Disability (PWDs) in the National Assembly, in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who stated this, at the Second Legislative Open Week in Abuja, said the House was considering reserving 10 percent and 5 percent of National Assembly seats for women and PWDs respectively.
He explained that the Green chamber is considering a total of 109 constitution alteration bills, across various sectors, noting that the bills include a proposal for special seats for women and PWDs.
According to him, “under the draft amendment, 10 percent of seats in both the Senate and the House of Representatives would be set aside for women, apportioned by state to ensure regional balance.
“These seats would be filled through direct elections on separate ballots, with staggered terms to promote continuity and mentorship. Five per cent (5%) of seats would be reserved for persons with disabilities, with candidates nominated by accredited disability advocacy organisations.
“Historical data underscores the urgency of this reform. At independence in 1960, women occupied less than one per cent of seats in the National Assembly. By 1990, their share rose only to two per cent. With the restoration of democracy in 1999, women held 3.9 per cent of House seats and four per cent of Senate seats. Today, despite constituting half the population, women’s representation has barely moved beyond these levels.
“International experience shows the impact quotas can have. Rwanda and Senegal utilised constitutional provisions to increase female representation from under 5% to over 30% in a single cycle. South Africa’s voluntary party quota has delivered steady gains, though its success depends on enforcement. By embedding reserved seats into our Constitution, we will break the cycle of stagnation.
“This mechanism will accelerate progress towards gender parity, enrich our legislative debates with diverse perspectives, and ensure that the National Assembly truly reflects the people it serves. The 10th House will pursue vigorous collaboration with the State Houses of Assembly and all stakeholders to ensure that the Bill on the reserved seat is passed and becomes part of our constitution.” Furthermore, Abbas disclosed that the 10th House since its inauguration in June 2023 has introduced 2,263 bills. He explained that 1,478 bills have gone through Second Reading while 135 are awaiting consideration at the committee of the whole, with another 339 bills pending before Standing Committees. He added that as of 30 June 2025, the House has passed 237 bills, out of which 55 bills, including tax laws, have received the assent of the President.