House of Reps Introduces Bill to Increase Seats from 360 to 366,

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has introduced a new bill proposing an increase in its membership from 360 to 366, with six new seats allocated specifically for women and people with disabilities (PWDs). The bill, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups) Bill, 2024 (HB.1811),” was presented by House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi (APC, Ekiti) at Wednesday’s plenary session.

Under the proposal, each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones would have one additional seat each, ensuring representation for women and PWDs. Candidates would be selected through a multi-tiered election process conducted by their respective National Associations, with contributions from grassroots and regional levels.

Rotimi highlighted that the bill aims to improve legislative inclusivity for women and PWDs, who currently face significant barriers to political participation. “The inclusion of these special seats will ensure that voices from underrepresented groups are heard at the national level,” Rotimi stated.

This bill complements recent calls from House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for stronger female representation in the National Assembly, where women currently make up less than 10% of members.