In a bold move to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, the House of Representatives has introduced a landmark bill aiming to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish six special seats dedicated to women and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The proposed legislation, titled the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups) Bill, 2024 (HB.1811),” seeks to address long-standing issues of representation and inclusion by ensuring that marginalized groups have a stronger voice in the nation’s legislative framework.
Presented during a plenary session on Wednesday, the bill sets out a vision of a more inclusive House of Representatives. If passed, the amendment would increase the number of seats in the House from 360 to 366, allocating six additional seats exclusively for women and PWDs. These new seats would be distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, with each zone represented by one female and one PWD representative, thereby balancing regional representation and promoting equality.
The bill’s structure details a novel approach to electing these representatives. Unlike the traditional method, candidates for these special seats would be chosen through an electoral college system. This body would be made up of members from the national associations representing each interest group, ensuring that grassroots and regional voices play a key role in the selection process. Candidates for these roles are expected to meet the same qualifications as regular House members, further underscoring the parity between these special representatives and their colleagues.
Once elected, these representatives would enjoy the same benefits and serve the same term as other members of the House. This equitable approach is intended to signal the government’s commitment to integrating women and PWDs fully into Nigeria’s democratic processes, reflecting their value as equal partners in governance.
The sponsor of the bill, House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi, highlighted the urgency and necessity of this legislation, noting the challenges that both women and PWDs face in the political arena. “The inclusion of these special seats will create a more balanced and inclusive legislative framework for Nigeria,” Rotimi stated. “Women and individuals with disabilities have historically faced significant barriers to political participation, and this initiative aims to ensure that their voices are heard and valued in our nation’s decision-making process.”
For years, Nigeria’s political system has grappled with low levels of female representation and insufficient policies that address the needs of individuals with disabilities. Women and PWDs often confront multiple layers of discrimination, making it difficult to secure elected positions or influence public policy. This bill aims to remedy that disparity by making space for their perspectives and experiences in the legislative process, thus paving the way for a more inclusive democracy.
Beyond merely adding seats, this proposal represents a fundamental shift toward gender and disability parity in Nigeria’s governance. It could serve as a powerful precedent, setting the stage for other sectors to re-evaluate and enhance inclusion practices. If the bill gains approval, it could inspire similar amendments within state legislatures and local councils, further embedding inclusivity into the fabric of Nigeria’s political framework.
The announcement has sparked significant discussion among civil rights groups and advocacy organizations, many of whom see it as a long-overdue step forward. Advocates for disability and women’s rights have praised the bill as a progressive measure that could empower underrepresented populations and foster more equitable policymaking.
Several organizations, including the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and prominent women’s advocacy groups, have expressed their support for the proposal, noting its potential to bring marginalized voices into critical national conversations. This support aligns with a global trend of governments and legislative bodies taking active steps to improve representation for historically disadvantaged groups.
However, as with any proposed amendment to the constitution, the bill must navigate a challenging approval process. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and House of Representatives, followed by ratification from at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies. Given the bill’s implications and the change it seeks to introduce, advocates recognize that they face an uphill battle in securing the necessary support.
If successful, this bill would be a historic achievement, marking a significant step towards rectifying gender and disability disparities in Nigeria’s political landscape. Its passage would not only fulfill a moral and democratic duty but also send a powerful message that Nigeria is committed to fostering a government that truly reflects all segments of its diverse population.
Ultimately, the introduction of this bill speaks to a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusivity within Nigeria’s governing bodies. While it remains to be seen how the amendment will fare in the legislative process, it has undoubtedly already ignited a conversation on the imperative of political representation for all Nigerians. This move represents a hopeful step toward a more inclusive Nigeria—one in which every citizen has a seat at the table and a voice in the future of their nation.
