As Nigeria grapples with low representation of women in governance, leaders and advocates gathered in Abuja to discuss constitutional amendments, policy reforms, and actionable solutions to increase women’s participation in political spaces; ENE OSHABA reports.
Low African parliament ranking
In Nigeria, the representation of women in political spaces remains alarmingly low compared to other African nations. According to the latest data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Nigeria ranks 179th globally out of 179 countries, and its percentage of female representation in the National Assembly falls far behind regional leaders. For context, Nigeria has only 16 women in the 360-member House of Representatives and just 4 women in the 109-member Senate, totaling a mere 4.4% in the lower house and 3.7% in the upper house. In contrast, Rwanda leads with 63.8% female representation, followed closely by Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa.
A review of relevant information on Nigeria’s democracy compiled by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (IPAC) shows that despite being Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria trails behind nearly all other Sub-Saharan African countries in terms of gender inclusion in governance. Other nations, including South Africa (46.1%), Mozambique (41.3%), and Angola (32%), have made considerable strides to ensure female voices are heard within their legislative bodies. The disparity becomes even starker when compared with smaller countries like Cabo Verde and Burundi, which boast over 25% female representation.
These statistics shared during the international legislative dialogue on women and constitution amendment in Nigeria organised recently in Abuja by the House of Representatives committee on the review of the 1999 constitution, in collaboration with PLAC and support from the European Union, spotlighted a pressing need for policy reform and advocacy to bridge this representation gap. Various advocacy groups and policymakers are now rallying to address structural barriers, such as cultural biases, the lack of financial support, and insufficient legal frameworks, that limit women’s participation in politics.
Statistical breakdown
Global Ranking for Nigeria: 179 out of 179 countries
Percentage of Women in House of Representatives: 4.4% (16 out of 360 seats); percentage of Women in Senate: 3.7% (4 out of 109 seats); comparative Representation in Selected sub-Saharan African countries.
Country % Women in Parliament (Lower House) Global Ranking: Rwanda 63.8% 12; Namibia 49.3% 17; South Africa 46.1% 20; Mozambique 41.3% 50; Nigeria 4.4% (House), 3.7% (Senate) 179.
This stark contrast serves as a call to action during the dialogue for Nigeria to address these inequities. Bridging this gap it was said would require concerted efforts from policymakers, civil society organisations, and international partners to encourage a more balanced representation that reflects Nigeria’s diverse population and aspirations for gender equality.
The recent international legislative dialogue held in Abuja brought together Nigerian government officials, civil society leaders, and international partners who recognize the disparity in women’s representation and aim to tackle the structural barriers that prevent women from accessing political power. The discussion outlined both the current challenges and proposed solutions for a more inclusive and representative Nigeria.
Need for policy reforms
The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, while delivering a keynote address underscored the importance of policy reforms that would empower Nigeria’s young population, particularly women. He pointed out that over 60% of Nigerians are under-25 and highlighted the necessity of legislative and executive support for youth and women in decision-making roles.
“To build a stronger future, we must empower young people, especially women, to participate actively in policy and governance,” he said.
According to Abbas, sustainable progress requires more than policy rhetoric – it calls for dedicated mentorship and strategic inclusion of women and youth in leadership roles. His comments reflect the broader agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has introduced platforms like the National Youth Conference to engage young Nigerians directly.
The Speaker also announced plans for a youth-focused town hall meeting, organized by the House of Representatives, aimed at creating a roadmap for youth inclusion and leadership training. He further urged Nigeria’s First Lady and leaders from across the 36 states to join a unified push for constitutional reforms that would strengthen the representation of women in governance.
He emphasised that, “Achieving gender equality demands our shared commitment, innovation, and decisive legislative action.”
Gender-focused legislative bills as panacea
At the dialogue, Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu represented by Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum Olufolake Abdulrazaq, urged the Nigerian legislature to pass several gender-focused bills, explaining that each is designed to address key issues affecting women’s political participation. Among the proposed bills were: Affirmative Action for Women in Political Party Administration: This bill aims to guarantee that women hold influential roles within Nigeria’s political parties, creating pathways for leadership. Special Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies: Reserved seats for women would ensure that female voices are present in legislative discussions and decision-making processes. Citizenship Rights for Spouses of Nigerian Women: This bill addresses legal disparities impacting Nigerian women married to foreign nationals, aiming to provide these women with equal rights under the law. Gender Equity in the Federal Character Commission: This bill would enforce fair representation of women across federal government positions, addressing systemic gender imbalances in public service appointments.
These bills align with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) on gender equality, which Nigeria has committed to achieving. The First Ladies pledged to collaborate with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to initiate gender-sensitive governance programs at the state level, promoting policies that support women’s leadership and inclusivity.
Partnership for progress: CSO/Legislative collaboration
The success of the dialogue relied heavily on partnerships with organisations like the Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC), the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, and the European Union, all of which provided strategic support for legislative reforms. Speaker Abbas extended an open invitation to civil society groups to collaborate with the House of Representatives on gender equity issues, representing a notable shift towards inclusive policy-making.
This initiative demonstrates the recognition that lasting change requires participation from civil society, international partners, and the Nigerian government working in tandem.
“A society that suppresses its women is a society that remains stagnant. When women thrive, families flourish, communities prosper, and nations grow stronger, observed Senator Kashim Shettima, who represented Senator Godswill Akpabio at the event.
Kwara state model for inclusion
An example of tangible progress came from Kwara State, where Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has actively promoted gender inclusion. Kwara achieved a 50-50 gender balance in its cabinet, with previous compositions reaching as high as 56% female representation. This commitment serves as an exemplary model for other states, showing that it is indeed possible to achieve gender equity at the executive level.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum chair, highlighted Kwara’s achievements, calling on other states to replicate this commitment, particularly considering implementing the 35% women inclusion bill.
“Women constitute about half of our voting population and contribute immensely to society’s growth and development,” she noted.
Overcoming cultural/political barriers
Senator Tinubu’s remarks also touched on the persistent cultural and political obstacles that women face in Nigeria. Some traditional practices and political customs systematically exclude women, limiting their access to political leadership. She maintained that temporary special measures, such as legislated gender quotas and political party quotas, could help break down these barriers and provide women with more significant opportunities to participate in governance.
Beyond legislation, the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum has actively advocated for women’s political participation by supporting female candidates during the last elections through mentorship and mobilization efforts. This level of advocacy highlights the growing momentum among Nigerian leaders to uplift women in governance.
Govs’ spouses forum commits to affirmative action
One of the dialogue’s most significant moments came when Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, the chairperson of the Nigerian Governors’ Spouses Forum, led the signing of a statement of commitment. This commitment advocates for 35% affirmative action in legislative and executive branches, supporting broader inclusion of women in political and policymaking roles.
First Ladies from Yobe and Plateau states, Mrs. Budi and Mrs. Mutwang, joined Professor Abdurazak in signing the pledge, signaling broad-based support for gender equity reforms. Representatives from academic institutions, the private sector, and international bodies like the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) were also present, emphasizing the need for collaborative action to enact meaningful change.
Sustaining momentum for gender equity
The dialogue concluded with a commitment among participants to push for constitutional amendments that address gender inequity and to develop long-term strategies for women’s inclusion in governance. Senator Shettima’s closing remarks encapsulated the urgency and potential of Nigeria’s journey toward gender equity.
“These nations thrive not despite their women but because they embrace and harness their strength,” he said, referring to examples like Rwanda and Scandinavian countries.
As Nigeria’s leaders, civil society, and international allies move forward, they recognise that the road to gender equity will not be easy. However, with renewed collaboration, legislative support, and persistent advocacy, Nigeria can achieve a future where women are equally represented, empowered, and celebrated as leaders.
For Nigerian women, this dialogue is not just a call to action, but a promise of hope; a vision of a nation where they can contribute fully and meaningfully to their country’s progress.
