Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen says the under-representation of women in Nigerian politics will soon come to an end, citing renewed collective action and legislative reforms to promote leadership parity nationwide.
Mr Abbas, represented by Kafilat Ogbara, member of the House of Representatives for Kosofe Federal Constituency, made the remark at the ninth Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2025) on Thursday in Abuja.
The speaker said lawmakers were engaging colleagues one-on-one, both in Abuja and in their constituencies, urging them to grasp that “the time is now” because no better moment existed to act.
He added that the proposed bill would add 37 seats for women in the National Assembly, including three per senatorial district, as a corrective measure against structural imbalance.
Mr Tajudeen noted ongoing grassroots mobilisation involving party heads, traditional rulers, and community leaders, all aimed at reversing decades of gender exclusion in governance.
He hailed Mr Tinubu’s gender-sensitive approach, highlighting his consistent support for his wife’s political role and his Renewed Hope Agenda’s promise that no woman would be left behind.
Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, emphasised the importance of collective action in driving progress toward increased political representation for Nigerian women.
She noted that true gender equality could not be achieved in isolation and highlighted the current under-representation of women, who held less than six per cent of National Assembly seats, far below global benchmarks.
According to her, the African Union targets 50 per cent gender parity, while the global average stands at 26.5 per cent, a gap Nigeria must close through legislative reform.
Ms Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the Reserved Seats Bill was not an act of charity but one of justice and strategic necessity to ensure a more inclusive democracy and unlock women’s full potential in governance.
The minister commended the 10th National Assembly for backing the bill, stating their support reflected political courage and a willingness to correct historical imbalances in Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka emphasised women’s resilience, urging them to go beyond verbal support to making financial sacrifices toward greater political participation.
Conference convener Toun Okewale‑Sonaiya described VOW2025 as a platform where women’s voices shaped Nigeria’s future, stressing the need to bridge the gender gap and deepen female political representation.
She urged women to advocate more strongly, stating that their support would leave a lasting legacy.