Tinubu, Kalu Push for 35% Women’s Representation as NASS Reviews Reserved Seats Bill

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seats Bill, which aims to boost women’s participation in governance by reserving at least 35% of legislative and executive positions for women.

Speaking at the Art for Governance Exhibition in Abuja, organized by ElectHER and the Office of the Deputy Speaker, Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the necessity of gender inclusion in decision-making.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who sponsored the Constitution (Alteration) Bill, 2024 (also known as the Additional Seats Bill), described the underrepresentation of women as a major challenge to democracy.

Ibijoke Faborode, CEO of ElectHER, noted that while women make up nearly 50% of Nigeria’s population, they hold less than 4% of National Assembly seats, highlighting the need for bold legislative reforms.

The event also featured an art competition, where winners—Segun Owolabi (₦2M), Chidinma Mordi (₦1.5M), and Precious Samuel (₦1M)—had their prizes doubled by Kalu. Their works will be exhibited at the National Assembly Library.

Other dignitaries, including the Minister of Women Affairs, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the bill’s passage to advance women’s leadership in Nigeria.