The National Assembly has proposed creating 74 additional seats for women in the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as three reserved seats in every state House of Assembly, to increase women’s participation in Nigerian politics.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele disclosed this on Monday at the 2026 Law Week organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ekiti State chapter.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, said the proposal was part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution and was designed to remove barriers limiting women’s participation in governance.
According to him, the proposal would create 37 additional seats in the Senate and 37 in the House of Representatives, giving each state and the Federal Capital Territory one extra seat in both chambers.
He added that three additional seats would be reserved for women in every state House of Assembly without displacing existing lawmakers.
Bamidele explained that the arrangement would last for 16 years, covering four electoral cycles, before a comprehensive review.
Describing the proposal as a non-partisan initiative, he said, “A democracy that systematically excludes over half of its population from the decision-making tables that determine their futures is, at best, a flawed democracy and, at worst, a veiled oligarchy.”
He added that the National Assembly had begun engaging state Houses of Assembly because their approval was necessary for the proposed amendment to become law.
The Senate leader also called for stronger protection for women and children, particularly victims of domestic vi%lence and ab¥se.
Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, called for stronger laws against technology-enabled ab¥se, including cyberstalking, online hara§§ment, deepfake images and child exploitation.
FIDA Ekiti Chairperson, Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, also urged stronger laws and institutions to protect the rights and dignity of women and children.
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