The National Assembly Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has proposed the creation of 74 additional seats for women in the Senate and House of Representatives as part of efforts to improve women’s political representation.
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this, adding that the proposal also included three additional seats for women in each State House of Assembly.
He explained that the arrangement would operate for 16 years, covering four electoral cycles, after which it would undergo a comprehensive review. He described the proposed period as a sunset clause designed to encourage a more inclusive political culture.
Bamidele said the committee was engaging with state Houses of Assembly, whose approval was constitutionally required before the proposed amendment could take effect.
He maintained that the initiative was not politically motivated but intended to address the persistent under-representation of women in decision-making positions.
According to him, the 10th National Assembly’s commitment to the proposal had received further support through advocacy by prominent government figures, including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
On the protection of women and children, Bamidele stressed the need for laws that addressed emerging threats and guaranteed victims of abuse access to protection and justice.
He said justice must be accessible, affordable, timely and effective, particularly for women experiencing domestic violence and children subjected to abuse.
The Senate Leader also called for adequate legal assistance, medical care and psychosocial support for victims, while urging that perpetrators be held accountable in accordance with due process and the rule of law.
The event was attended by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Information and National Orientation, Hon. Steve Fatoba, and the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, among other dignitaries.