The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has advised advocates pushing for special parliamentary seats for women to extend their campaign to state legislatures nationwide.
Speaking through Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Chairman of the Northern Caucus, at a Citizens’ Roundtable in Zaria, Kaduna State, Abbas explained that such a proposal would require constitutional amendment and must secure approval from two-thirds of State Houses of Assembly to become law.
The roundtable, organised for the Northern region as part of an initiative launched in December 2024, seeks to strengthen public participation in governance by gathering citizen input on legislative matters.
While reaffirming the House’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive governance, Abbas stressed that advocacy efforts must go beyond the National Assembly to secure broader political support.
“The issue of special seats for women is a constitutional matter,” Abbas said. “Even if it passes through the National Assembly, it still requires ratification by state legislatures. Therefore, proponents must engage state assemblies to build consensus.”
He emphasised that the 10th Assembly prioritises citizen engagement to ensure legislation reflects public needs. “This forum exemplifies our dedication to participatory democracy,” Abbas added. “It allows ordinary Nigerians to voice their concerns, contribute to policymaking, and hold leaders accountable.”
According to Abass, the event underscores the House’s efforts to foster transparency and responsiveness in governance. Advocates for women’s representation now face the challenge of mobilising support across Nigeria’s 36 states to advance the proposed constitutional amendment.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
