The European Union, through its European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, convened a roundtable session on Thursday with stakeholders to mark the final stretch of advocacy for the Special Seats Bill, as the countdown begins to the vote at the National Assembly scheduled for next week.
At the session, stakeholders appealed passionately to the leadership of the National Assembly to vote generously in favour of the Bill, stressing that its passage would strengthen policymaking, improve governance outcomes, and advance Nigeria’s democratic development.
The Special Seats Bill seeks to address gender imbalance by creating additional seats in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, to be contested and filled exclusively by women.
In his welcome remarks, Clement Okonkwo, Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), commended the collective ownership of the Bill by stakeholders across civil society and government. He noted that the effort invested so far should give advocates satisfaction, but emphasised that the push must continue until the Bill is passed.
Okonkwo described the Special Seats Bill as a defining moment for the 10th National Assembly, highlighting that it reflects the popular demand of Nigerians for greater inclusion. “I hope that the National Assembly will do what citizens want them to do by passing the Bill,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Mr Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, underscored the inevitability of women’s inclusion in the 21st century. He stressed that social, financial, and political inclusion of women will shape this century, and Nigeria must legislate accordingly to align with prevailing global trends.
Vergos cautioned against ignoring the voices of the younger generation, who overwhelmingly support inclusion.
He lamented Nigeria’s poor record of women’s representation, noting that women currently occupy only 7.4% of the 469 seats in the 10th National Assembly. He further observed that no woman has ever been elected Governor in Nigeria’s 25 years of democracy, and appointments to political positions remain disproportionately skewed against women.
He linked the Bill to broader advocacy efforts, including the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and urged stakeholders to seize the ongoing constitutional reform process as an opportunity to embed inclusive legal frameworks. “Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and posterity will remember all of you for advancing this agenda,” he affirmed.
Vergos emphasised that women’s active participation at all levels of decision-making is essential for equality, sustainable development, peace, and democracy. He called for uniform legislative action, complemented by robust measures within political parties to foster transformative change. He assured that the EU would continue to follow the process closely and collaborate with all voices pushing for the Bill’s passage.
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, reiterated her commitment to securing the Bill’s passage.
She urged stakeholders to mobilise their communities and engage leaders at the National Assembly to ensure the required votes are secured. “We will continue to push until the work is done,” she declared.
Adding her voice, Gill Lever, Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission, described Nigeria’s record of less than 5% women’s representation in the National Assembly as unacceptable.
She warned that such figures damage Nigeria’s political life, economy, and international reputation, placing the country near the bottom of the global gender equality index alongside nations like Afghanistan.
Lever emphasised the benefits of women’s involvement in policymaking, noting that women bring unique insights into family, community, child welfare, and mental health. She argued that women’s participation leads to stronger social policies, reduced corruption, and greater accountability. “Don’t we need that in all political setups everywhere?” she asked.
On the Special Seats Bill, Lever clarified that it does not take away from men but rather creates space for women to contribute meaningfully. She urged the National Assembly to seize the historic opportunity, describing the vote as a legacy moment that could set Nigeria as a global example of inclusive governance.
Meanwhile, the roundtable marked the final stretch in the advocacy campaign, with stakeholders united in their call for equitable representation. The countdown is not merely about securing the votes; it is about securing a promise of a more inclusive, responsive, and accountable democracy.
The passage of the Special Seats Bill would present a unique opportunity to restructure Nigeria’s political landscape, strengthen democratic governance, and inscribe the names of the 10th National Assembly leadership in history as champions of gender inclusion.
