The National Assembly is considering a constitutional amendment that would create 74 additional seats for women in the Senate and House of Representatives, alongside three reserved seats in every state House of Assembly.
Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, announced the proposal on Monday, November 2, 2026, during the 2026 Law Week organised by the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ekiti State chapter.
The proposal forms part of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution. It aims to increase women’s representation in Nigeria’s legislative institutions without removing existing lawmakers or electoral seats.
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
How the proposed women’s reserved seats would work
Under the plan, the Senate would receive 37 additional seats reserved for women. The House of Representatives would also get 37.
This arrangement would give each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory one additional seat in both chambers.
At the state level, the proposal provides for three additional seats reserved exclusively for women in each of the 36 State Houses of Assembly.
Bamidele explained that the special seats would not displace existing elected representatives. Instead, they would expand the number of legislative positions available to women.
The proposed arrangement would run for 16 years, covering four electoral cycles, before a comprehensive review.
Speaking at the event, the Senate leader said a bill seeking to amend the Constitution to provide special seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly was receiving attention at the National Assembly.
He described the proposal as the outcome of extensive consultations and consensus-building. He also said lawmakers had started engaging state assemblies to secure the support required to complete the constitutional amendment process.
State assemblies’ approval still required
Bamidele acknowledged that the proposal would require the involvement of state legislatures before it could become law.
He said the National Assembly was engaging the State Houses of Assembly because their concurrence is constitutionally required for the amendment to take effect.
The senator described the initiative as a constitutional reform rather than a partisan project. He argued that women should have greater access to political decision-making and legislative representation.
He also acknowledged advocacy from prominent public figures, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in support of improving women’s participation in governance.
Lawmakers urged to strengthen protection for women and children
Beyond political representation, Bamidele called for stronger laws and institutions to protect women, children and persons with disabilities.
He identified healthcare, education and social protection as areas requiring sustained legislative attention.
The Senate leader also urged government institutions to improve access to justice for victims of domestic violence and child abuse.
He said victims should receive legal assistance, medical treatment and psychosocial support, while authorities must hold perpetrators accountable through due process.
Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, also called for stronger legal protections against emerging forms of abuse.
She highlighted threats linked to artificial intelligence and digital platforms, including cyberstalking, online harassment, deepfake images, impersonation and the exploitation of children.
Olarinde urged collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement bodies, universities, traditional and religious leaders, the media and civil society groups.
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, and FIDA’s Ekiti chairperson, Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, also attended the event.
If approved, the proposed constitutional amendment would expand women’s access to legislative positions at federal and state levels. However, the plan must still pass through the required constitutional approval process.