The Federal Government is preparing an Executive Bill seeking to guarantee at least 35 per cent representation for women in governance, with plans to submit the proposed legislation to the National Assembly.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, disclosed this on Wednesday, November 4, during a pre-rally empowerment programme in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
The programme was organised as part of activities led by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the proposed bill was currently being drafted ahead of its presentation to federal lawmakers.
She expressed confidence that the First Lady would support efforts to ensure the legislation passes through the necessary stages and becomes law.
If passed, the proposed measure would strengthen efforts to increase women’s participation in political leadership and decision-making across Nigeria.
FG Plans Legislative Push for 35% Women Representation
The minister described the proposed legislation as part of the government’s efforts to improve opportunities for women in governance.
She said the Federal Government intended to move beyond commitments and pursue a legal framework that would support greater female participation in public leadership.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also highlighted the First Lady’s involvement in programmes designed to support women at the grassroots.
She explained that the delegation visited Nasarawa State on Mrs Tinubu’s directive to mobilise women and reinforce the government’s commitment to their welfare.
First Lady’s Empowerment Programme Supports Thousands of Women
The pre-rally programme also featured the distribution of business equipment and financial assistance to women across Nasarawa State.
Items presented to beneficiaries included refrigerators, sewing machines, grinding machines and cash support.
The minister further disclosed that the First Lady had introduced a menstrual hygiene initiative aimed at providing sanitary pads, condoms and other hygiene products free of charge to women across the country.
The programme also extended support to women operating small businesses, traders and other vulnerable groups.
During visits to local markets, selected traders received specialised business kiosks to strengthen their businesses.
Between 100 and 200 women also received ₦100,000 each as additional business capital.
The delegation equally visited hospitals and maternity wards, where it provided financial grants, business tools and healthcare interventions to beneficiaries.
APC Women Leaders Push Renewed Hope Agenda
Speaking on behalf of the All Progressives Congress (APC) mobilisation team, the party’s National Women Leader and Director of the APC Women Presidential Campaign Council, Dr Mary Alile Idele, said the delegation was working to promote continuity of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the outreach formed part of the party’s efforts to strengthen its grassroots mobilisation and engage women across the country.
The activities covered maternity wards, markets and small business centres, with thousands of women targeted for assistance.
The proposed 35 per cent representation bill and the empowerment programme formed key parts of the government’s latest engagement with women as political activities ahead of the next election continue.