Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has pledged strong backing for a proposed bill aimed at reserving legislative seats for women, saying the measure will be considered when lawmakers return from their annual recess.
Addressing advocates during a recent dialogue on women’s political participation in Abuja, Kalu described the bill as a necessary response to Nigeria’s ongoing gender imbalance in leadership.
“This is not about emotions,” he said. “It’s about confronting the facts of our political structure and pushing for what is just.”
He cited the low number of women in public office as a major concern.
Currently, women hold less than 5% of all legislative positions across federal and state levels. At the federal level, only 19 out of 469 seats are occupied by women, with no female governors in any of the 36 states.
Kalu urged campaigners to intensify advocacy in the short time left before the constitutional review process resumes.
“There’s urgency now. The message must reach those who influence decisions, both inside and outside the chambers,” he said.
He also called on high-profile women, civil society groups, and political actors to lend their voices to the campaign, stressing that inclusion is part of the current legislative agenda and aligns with the federal government’s development goals.
Kalu concluded with a note of optimism: “If we’re serious about inclusive governance, the time to act is now.”
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