The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) convened a high-level Stakeholder Roundtable focused on advancing the Special Seats Bill ahead of the anticipated vote by the National Assembly.

The event opened with welcome remarks by Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, who underscored the importance of sustained advocacy and stakeholder engagement in promoting inclusive representation.

Delivering a goodwill message, Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the ongoing constitutional reform process as an opportunity to adopt an inclusive legal framework that promotes equal participation of all Nigerians regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, or disability status.

Also delivering a goodwill message, Gill Lever, Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Nigeria, emphasized the link between women’s political participation and national development, noting that economic growth increases when women are represented in political life. She described the Special Seats Bill as an opportunity to advance inclusion and stated that its passage would demonstrate global leadership by Nigeria’s National Assembly.

In her opening address, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Chair of the House Committee on Women Affairs, described the Special Seats Bill as more than a legislative proposal, noting that it represents a collective commitment to ensuring women have a rightful place in decision-making processes at all levels of governance.

The roundtable brought together key stakeholders to assess ongoing mobilisation efforts for the Bill and outline strategic actions needed as the National Assembly prepares to vote on this critical constitutional amendment.

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