Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has voiced her strong support for the proposed bill to create special reserved seats for women in Nigeria’s state and national assemblies, calling on the National Assembly to fast-track its passage into law.
The bill, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to guarantee dedicated parliamentary seats for female lawmakers, enhancing gender inclusion and increasing women’s representation in governance.
Currently under consideration as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, the bill has been hailed as a historic step towards correcting gender imbalance in Nigeria’s political space.
Senator Tinubu’s endorsement reflects her long-standing advocacy for women’s empowerment and highlights the growing momentum behind calls for greater female participation in Nigeria’s legislative process.
Speaking at an Art for Governance Exhibition in Abuja on Monday night, organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in collaboration with ElectHER, an advocacy group for women’s empowerment, the First Lady—represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, wife of the Speaker—emphasized the vital role of women in shaping Nigeria’s future.
She said: “In the context of governance and inclusion, it offers a unique and compelling way to spotlight the urgent need for greater female representation in leadership and decision-making processes. The artworks being displayed today serve not only for a Nigeria where political leadership is truly inclusive and reflective of its people.