The proposal seeks to increase women’s representation in the Senate, House of Representatives and state assemblies as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Nigeria’s National Assembly is considering a major proposal that could increase women’s participation in the country’s political system through the creation of additional legislative seats reserved specifically for women.

The proposal, disclosed by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, seeks to create 74 additional seats for women in the National Assembly. It also recommends three reserved seats for women in each of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.

The initiative is part of the ongoing review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and is intended to address the long-standing underrepresentation of women in elective political positions.

Bamidele made the disclosure on November 2, 2026, while speaking at the 2026 Law Week organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ekiti State Chapter.

How the 74 additional seats would work

Under the proposal, 37 additional seats would be created in the Senate, while another 37 would be added to the House of Representatives.

This arrangement would provide one additional seat for women from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in both chambers.

The proposal also includes three additional seats reserved for women in each state House of Assembly.

If the entire proposal is approved, the arrangement would create 182 additional legislative positions across the federal and state levels.

The proposed seats would be separate from existing constituencies. This means that women elected into the reserved positions would not need to remove or replace lawmakers already occupying existing legislative seats.

The arrangement is designed to create more opportunities for women to participate directly in lawmaking and public decision-making.

Why the proposal matters

Women make up a substantial part of Nigeria’s population, but their representation in elected political offices has remained relatively low.

Over the years, women’s groups and civil society organisations have called for reforms that would make political participation more accessible to women.

Some of the barriers frequently identified include the high cost of contesting elections, difficulties securing party nominations, discrimination, political intimidation and limited access to political networks.

Supporters of reserved legislative seats believe the proposal could help address some of these challenges by creating additional opportunities for women to enter the legislature.

Greater female representation could also broaden discussions on issues affecting families, children, education, healthcare, economic opportunities and the protection of women’s rights.

However, the success of the proposal would depend on how the new seats are designed, how candidates are selected and whether the electoral process is fair and transparent.

Proposed to last for 16 years

Another important feature of the proposal is its proposed duration.

According to Bamidele, the special-seat arrangement would operate for 16 years, covering four electoral cycles, before a comprehensive review.

This means the proposed measure would not necessarily be permanent. Instead, lawmakers would have an opportunity to assess its impact after the specified period.

The proposed time limit is described as a way to encourage broader female participation in politics while allowing the country to review whether the arrangement has achieved its objectives.

Constitutional approval still required

Although the proposal has received attention at the National Assembly, it has not yet become an established constitutional provision.

The ongoing constitutional amendment process requires the necessary legislative approvals, including the support of state Houses of Assembly, before the changes can take effect.

Bamidele said the National Assembly was engaging with state lawmakers to build support for the proposed reform.

This means Nigerians will need to follow the process closely to see whether the proposal moves from consideration to formal approval.

The outcome could have important consequences for the future composition of Nigeria’s legislative institutions.

What Nigerians should watch

The proposed additional seats have generated an important conversation about political inclusion, fairness and equal opportunities in governance.

For supporters, the initiative represents a possible step towards giving women a stronger voice in decisions that affect the country.

Others may want further clarification on the cost of expanding the legislature, the method of electing representatives into the reserved seats and how the arrangement would work alongside existing constituencies.

Ultimately, the proposal will be judged not only by the number of seats created but also by whether it delivers meaningful representation and strengthens democratic participation.

For now, the 74 additional federal seats and the proposed state-level positions remain part of the constitutional review process. Their implementation will depend on the required approvals.

Utelnova will continue to follow developments surrounding the proposal and other important decisions affecting Nigeria’s political future.