Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has cautioned that low representation of women in governance may be costly, leading to underutilisation of talent, limited innovation, and lost opportunities for economic growth.
Kalu stated this in his remarks at a legislative evening on women’s political representation in Abuja organised by the committee in partnership with Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the European Union (EU),
The Deputy Speaker who sponsored and is advocating for the passage of the constitution alteration bill to provide special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly, cited research which suggests Nigeria could gain up to nine percent in GDP growth by 2025 with improved women’s participation.
He said, “Nigeria could gain an increase of nine percent in GDP growth by 2025 with improved women’s participation. That’s what statistics have shown. So which means we are losing 9% growth in our GDP because women are not participating.
“So this is one of the motivating factors for us to push for this bill. Some gender-sensitive bills, policies of the government, would be better treated by women. And if we don’t have women in the room, it’s just like cutting a man’s hair in his absence.”
He said Mr. President will assent to because “he’s gender friendly” and that it was the president who allowed the wife to go and be a senator to represent his people.
“The measure is subject to review after four general election cycles (16 years), ensuring it is a fast-track, not a permanent, intervention. These new seats do not affect existing constituencies and are directly elected, ensuring legitimacy and accountability.
“Women remain eligible to contest all regular seats. Women in special seats have the same privileges and responsibilities as other legislators. After 16 years, the provision will be reassessed for continuation, modification, or repeal,” Kalu said.