Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the National Assembly to pass the Reserved Seats Bill, which seeks to ensure greater female representation in governance. Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the bill is currently before the House for consideration.
Speaking at the Art for Governance exhibition in Abuja—organized by the Deputy Speaker’s Office and ElectHER—Tinubu, represented by Hajiya Fatima Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the necessity of women’s leadership in national development. She reaffirmed her commitment to gender inclusion, advocating for at least 35% of legislative and executive seats to be reserved for women.
Deputy Speaker Kalu condemned the underrepresentation of women in governance, describing the bill as a step toward justice and a more inclusive democracy. ElectHER CEO Ibijoke Faborode highlighted Nigeria’s low female political representation, stressing that the bill could transform the nation’s democratic landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
The event also featured an art competition, with winners receiving cash prizes, which were later doubled by the Deputy Speaker. Their works will be exhibited at the Echoes of Equity: Art for Governance event and displayed at the National Assembly Library.
The Minister of Women Affairs and other stakeholders expressed their commitment to ensuring the bill’s passage, reinforcing efforts to enhance women’s participation in governance.
