On Thursday, 10th July 2025, the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and with support from the European Union in Nigeria, hosted a Legislative Dinner on advancing women’s political representation in Nigeria with women legislators from the State Houses of Assembly, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and women groups.

The evening brought together lawmakers, government officials, civil society partners, and members of the diplomatic community to discuss the Special Seats Bill, a constitution alteration bill aimed at improving women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislature.

In his opening remarks, Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, described the proposed legislation as potentially the most important since Nigeria’s independence in 1960, highlighting its transformative potential for more inclusive governance. He also commended the efforts of the Deputy Speaker in driving the process of its passage forward.

Also speaking at the event, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasized that the Special Seats Bill is not a favour to women but a critical step toward better governance for all Nigerians. He stated that the bill would mark a historic milestone for the country, underscoring the EU’s strong support for measures that promote equity and strengthen democratic institutions.

Representing the Minister of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, extended appreciation to the House Committee on Constitution Review, PLAC, and the EU for their invaluable partnership. She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerian women have a stronger voice in political decision-making.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, presented a detailed overview of the bill and made a strong case for its passage. He highlighted Nigeria’s poor global ranking in women’s political representation and pointed to data showing that improved women’s participation could result in up to 9% GDP growth by 2025. He also addressed common criticisms of the bill—such as concerns about increased governance costs or the impact on traditional values—arguing that these do not outweigh the benefits of inclusive and effective governance.

Other speakers at the event included Hon. Oluwole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; members of the National and State Assemblies and Matthew Ayibakuro, Governance Advisor at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). They reiterated their support for the Special Seats Bill and called for sustained collaboration to ensure its success.

Also present were female principal officers from the State Houses Assembly, including Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju, Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda, Deputy Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Comfort Egwaba, Deputy Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Lami Danladi, Deputy Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly and Maria Edeko, Former Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly.

Conversations at the event reinforced a shared understanding that institutional reform is urgent to address underrepresentation of women in governance.

Some pictures from the event: