By Ebi Kesiena
Nigeria’s push for gender-inclusive governance gained momentum on Monday as prominent women leaders, more than 750 Nigerian women, including Mrs. Susan Lokpobiri, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil, threw their weight behind the Reserved Seat Bill for Women currently before the National Assembly.
The Reserved Seat Bill, which has drawn widespread attention, is designed to guarantee more opportunities for women to hold leadership positions, influence policymaking, and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Speaking to our correspondent at the mega public hearing, Mrs. Lokpobiri, who also serves as CEO of the Reaching Every Adult and Child Foundation, urged lawmakers to pass the bill that seeks to increase women’s representation in government and policymaking.
According to her, from her experience as a politician, this legislation would safeguard women’s voices in politics and protect their mandates.
Lokpobiri argued that passing the bill would not only advance democracy but also dispel misconceptions that women in politics neglect their families.
“Women have the ability to excel both at home and in leadership,” she said, adding that the measure is about inclusion, not competition with men.
Also, South-South Coordinator for the Reserved Seats for Women bill, Ebimoboere Alaebi Elezieanya noted that Nigerian women are neither powerless nor passive.
She emphasized that grassroots hearings across states have shown overwhelming support, pointing out the potential economic and social benefits of women’s increased representation, better healthcare, stronger education systems, and more responsive governance.
Meanwhile, Chairman status of Women Committee in National Council of Women’s Societies, NCWS, Barrister Ebi Ogionwo explained that all political parties must unite behind the initiative. She highlighted how violence and financial barriers often keep women out of politics, noting that the bill aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to international treaties and the 35% affirmative action target.
However, the women groups expressed optimism that with October’s decisive vote approaching, lawmakers will seize the moment to open Nigeria’s political space to women, thereby strengthening democracy and fulfilling the nation’s global obligations.
