From Moshood Karim
The Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum has thrown its weight behind the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill, calling for increased women’s representation in governance across all levels.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual General Meeting, National Conference and Founder’s Day Dinner of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) in Abuja, the Forum’s Chief Executive Officer, Barrister Hauwa Haliru, lamented the dismal level of women participation in Nigeria’s political space despite their strong electoral presence.
“Almost half of Nigeria’s 220 million citizens, over 104 million, are women. In 2023, they made up 47.5% of all registered voters, nearly equal at the ballot box. Yet, of 469 seats in the National Assembly, only 21 are held by women. That’s a mere 4.5%. Four out of 109 senators are women, and only 16 of 360 members in the House of Representatives,” Haliru stated.
She decried the situation where 15 states have no female legislators, placing Nigeria at 180 out of 190 countries globally in women’s political representation, far behind Rwanda (61%) and South Africa (45%).
“This discrepancy isn’t about lack of qualified women or public support,” she added. “Surveys in 2025 show that over 90% of Nigerians, men and women alike—support more women in politics. The real challenge is the wall between women’s voter strength and their access to seats of power.”
Haliru stressed that women’s inclusion in governance was essential for sustainable development, noting that nations with higher female participation in politics tend to experience faster economic growth, lower corruption, and stronger social outcomes.
“When more women are in office, governments focus more on healthcare, economic development, and child welfare,” she said. Currently, only eight out of 36 State commissioners of health are women. This must change.”
She commended the private sector for leading the way, revealing that female board membership on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) now stands at 31.1%—the highest ever.
“The public sector must do better. The Reserved Seats Bill is a necessary step towards bridging this gap, and the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum remains a key driver of its passage,” Haliru declared, urging the National Assembly to expedite action on the bill.
The event, themed “The Power of Women’s Voices and Votes: A Critical Tool for Electoral Victory,” brought together female leaders, policymakers, and advocates who reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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