The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has urged State Houses of Assembly to create special seats for women in Nigeria’s legislature. He emphasized the constitutional mandate for gender equality and called for legislative reforms and funding programs to support female entrepreneurs. Abbas highlighted the importance of prioritizing women’s welfare in governance to build an inclusive society.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called upon State Houses of Assembly to champion the establishment of special legislative seats for women in Nigeria. This appeal was made during the 2025 Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference in Abuja, themed ‘Investing in Nigerian Women, Securing Our Future’. He underscored the vital role of gender inclusion in governance as a constitutional priority.
Abbas emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution mandates security and welfare as the main objectives of government, thereby necessitating efforts towards gender equity. He pointed out that Section 42 of the Constitution specifically bans discrimination based on sex, asserting that no Nigerian woman should be hindered by legal or traditional obstacles.
To cultivate a fair and progressive Nigeria, prioritizing women’s welfare is essential. Abbas advocated for legislative reforms to reinstate dedicated seats for women in legislative bodies and to enforce quotas within political parties to ensure their adequate representation. He implored State Houses of Assembly to support these reforms during the ongoing constitutional amendment discussions.
Furthermore, the Speaker highlighted the necessity of expanding funding initiatives aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs, which would, in turn, promote innovation and create job opportunities across Nigeria. He acknowledged the trailblazing women who have successfully challenged traditional barriers, thereby laying the groundwork for current advancements in gender inclusion.
In conclusion, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas has made a compelling case for implementing special legislative seats for women, supporting constitutional amendments that prohibit discrimination, and enhancing funding opportunities for female entrepreneurs. His call reflects a commitment to fostering gender equality and ensuring women’s welfare as central tenets of Nigeria’s governance.
Original Source: www.nigeriainfo.fm
