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Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for the passage of the Seat Reservation for Women Bill, saying it would unlock national prosperity.
Speaking at a Three-Day workshop on the public presentation of the national women leaders forum’s operational guidelines and the roles of political parties in the passage of seat reservation for women bills in Abuja on Monday, Kalu expressed worry over the failure of 15 states in Nigeria to produce female lawmakers.
According to him, at the National Assembly, women make up only 3.6 per cent of the Senate and 4.7 per cent in the House of Representatives.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu on Monday quoted Kalu as saying, “Democracy thrives not merely through elections, but through inclusion. When half of our population remains underrepresented in halls of power, our democracy is not just weakened—it is incomplete.
“Today, 15 states in Nigeria have zero elected women in their Assemblies. At the national level, women make up a meagre 3.6 per cent of the Senate and 4.7 per cent of the House of Representatives. These figures are not just statistics; they are a stain on our collective conscience and a barrier to national progress.
“The Seat Reservation for Women Bill, which I proudly sponsor, seeks to alter this narrative. By reserving seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, we aim to dismantle systemic barriers and create a legislature that mirrors the diversity of our nation. This is not about charity—it is about justice, strategy, and national prosperity.
“As Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, I am spearheading efforts to ensure our foundational law reflects 21st-century realities. The bill proposes a structured temporary special measure—reserved seats for women, reviewed after 16 years—to accelerate gender parity. This is not a permanent quota but a catalytic intervention modeled after nations like Rwanda and Senegal, where similar measures boosted women’s representation to over 40 per cent.
“Evidence shows that nations with balanced gender representation achieve higher GDP growth, better healthcare outcomes, and more innovative policymaking. For Nigeria, closing the gender gap could increase our GDP by 9 per cent by the end of 2025. When women lead, communities thrive.
“Democracy dies in the absence of diverse perspectives. As I have always stated, ‘Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.’ Reserved seats ensure women’s voices shape laws on education, healthcare, and security—issues that disproportionately affect them”.
He also called on various women’s groups to accelerate their advocacy efforts, saying, “While the National Assembly is committed to passing this bill, we cannot do this alone. Mobilise your 19 political parties to champion this bill at all levels. Engage State Assemblies, traditional leaders, and grassroots networks. Public pressure must match political will.
“Use your operational guidelines to launch awareness campaigns that debunk myths about reserved seats. Highlight global success stories and Nigeria’s missed opportunities.
“As I unveil the NWLF’s operational guidelines today, I am reminded that this is not just a document—it is a blueprint for revolution. To the women here: Your resolve has brought us this far. To the men: This is not a “women’s issue”; it is Nigeria’s issue. Let us elevate our vision for Nigeria. Let us pass this bill not just for women but for a stronger, fairer, and more prosperous nation,” Kalu added.
