The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has emphasized the importance of women’s representation and their crucial role in the development of the nation, stating that a lack of female participation in politics is a missed opportunity for progress.
The Senate President also acknowledged the crucial role women play in leadership and governance, describing them as “better managers” and strong decision-makers.
Akpabio made the remarks during an advocacy visit to his office by a group of women activists under the aegis of the “Reserved seats for Women Bill,” led by Osasu Igbinedion.
He lamented the challenges women face in political spaces, pointing out that women themselves often do not vote for female candidates, a barrier that needs to be addressed for greater female participation in political representation.
“We all came from women. Personally, I am blessed with four beautiful daughters. The success of this bill will open the doors of greater political participation for our female children,” he said, while advising the advocates to do more to win more converts for the bill to scale through.
In her speech, Mrs. Igbinedion said, “We are here today to speak on behalf of millions of Nigerian women—farmers, entrepreneurs, market traders, doctors, teachers, and mothers—whose voices have for too long been under-represented in the highest chambers of our democracy.
“The Reserved Seats for Women Bill offers us a rare opportunity to correct that historic imbalance and finally give women a seat at the table where national decisions are made.
“Nigeria currently ranks among the lowest in Africa for women’s representation in parliament, with women occupying less than 5% of seats in the National Assembly. This is not just a gender issue. It is a governance issue, a democracy issue, and a development issue.
“The evidence is clear: when women are involved in policymaking, we see stronger communities, more inclusive legislation, and better outcomes in health, education, and peacebuilding. Representation matters — not just symbolically but substantively.
“This bill is not asking for charity; it is calling for justice. It is not about reducing the space for men; it is about expanding the possibilities for Nigeria. By creating reserved seats for women, we are not limiting merit — we are correcting systemic exclusion.
“Mr. President, your endorsement of this bill will be a turning point. It will send a powerful message across Nigeria — that this Senate is ready to lead with integrity, to legislate with empathy, and to act with boldness in pursuit of equality,” she said.
The Senate President and other Senators present were decorated with the “I support reserved seats for women” badge.
