Abuja: The European Union (EU) and British High Commission have urged the 10th National Assembly to pass the Special Seats Bill, describing it as a historic opportunity to strengthen women’s political participation and solidify Nigeria’s democracy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Ambassador, European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, made this appeal on Thursday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ roundtable on the countdown to the vote for the special seats bill. The event was organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), with support from the European Union.
Vergos emphasized that the 21st century will be characterized by women’s social, financial, and political inclusion, noting the necessity for legislation to mirror emerging global and societal trends. He highlighted that women’s participation at all levels of decision-making is crucial to achieving equality, sustainable development, and democratic consolidation. He expressed concern over the low representation of women in Nigeria, citing the 7.4 per cent female representation in the 10th national assembly and the absence of a single elected female governor since the country’s return to democracy.
He pointed out that the ongoing constitutional review presents Nigeria with a vital opportunity to adopt a more inclusive legal framework that ensures equal participation for all citizens, regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, or disability. Vergos also emphasized the role of political parties as key gatekeepers to women’s political empowerment and urged them to institutionalize gender-equality measures to address long-standing structural barriers.
The EU has been supporting women’s political participation since 1999 through electoral cycle programs valued at over 200 million Euros, focusing on women as candidates, voters, and political actors. Vergos reiterated that women’s rights are human rights and that the right to participate in political life should not be overlooked. He reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to continue collaborating with Nigeria during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, emphasizing that sustainable progress requires both legislative and societal transformation.
In her remarks, British Deputy High Commissioner Gill Lever stated that passing the bill would demonstrate global leadership. She noted that the upcoming vote would be a critical moment for Nigeria, determining whether the country would choose to include or exclude women in its political processes. Lever pointed out that less than five per cent of the 469 seats in Nigeria’s national assembly are occupied by women, a situation she described as detrimental to the economy, political life, and Nigeria’s global reputation.
Lever contrasted Nigeria’s situation with that of the United Kingdom, where nearly half of the House of Commons members are women and several key cabinet positions are held by women. She explained that the special seats would not eliminate existing positions but would temporarily provide additional spaces for women over four parliamentary cycles, enabling them to build confidence, financial capacity, and visibility to compete more equitably in politics. She described the upcoming vote as a potential legacy moment for Nigeria, citing evidence from Zimbabwe where reserved seats increased women’s representation and prevented a steep decline in the number of women elected through the regular process.
Lever praised the efforts of the President’s wife, Mrs. Remi Tinubu, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Senate President, Nigerian civil society, traditional and religious leaders, and youth advocates for championing the bill despite challenges. Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs, also commended the President’s wife, various women’s groups, civil society organizations, and partners for their advocacy for the passage of the bill.
The Executive Director of PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, highlighted that the bill has become a global concern due to the role of women in society, underscoring the need for the current National Assembly to expedite the passage of the bill.