This is a keynote address by Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, GCON, Speaker, House of Representatives, at the International Legislative Dialogue on Women and the Constitution Amendment Process in Nigeria, organised by the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja on Monday, October 28, 2024
It is an honour to welcome you all to this vital dialogue on advancing women’s representation within our governance structure. I extend my gratitude to the organisers for the invitation to deliver this keynote address. I would like to particularly commend my Deputy, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie, CON, Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Amendment, and all members of his committee, whose dedication has made this gathering possible. Today represents a meaningful step forward in our collective commitment to inclusive governance and national progress.
I also recognise and deeply appreciate the distinguished women leaders from across Nigeria, as well as esteemed representatives from national parliaments in Africa and international organisations, whose presence enriches this gathering.
Honourable Colleagues, distinguished guests, we gather here not for rhetoric but to establish a clear and actionable path toward meaningful reform. Our goal is to ensure that Nigerian women, an essential part of our nation’s social and economic fabric, secure their rightful place within our governance framework.
Empowering women is not only a moral and democratic imperative but also a strategic economic necessity. Research from global institutions, including the United Nations and the World Economic Forum, shows that organisations and countries benefit from better decision-making, stronger economic growth, and enhanced social well-being when women hold leadership roles.
Women bring unique perspectives influencing vital issues, from healthcare to economic policy, creating legislation that resonates with millions. McKinsey estimates that closing gender gaps could add $12 trillion to the global GDP by 2025, underscoring the immense untapped potential of women’s inclusion. Thus, increased representation of women is not a luxury but a necessity for sustainable national development and stability.
Around the world, and particularly in Africa, we see encouraging examples of gender inclusion. Rwanda, with over 60 per cent women representation in its parliament, has shown us that robust, intentional policies work. South Africa, Namibia, and Senegal have all taken significant strides toward inclusivity, reshaping their political landscapes in ways Nigeria can learn from. These countries have demonstrated the profound impact of women’s perspectives on governance and development.
For Nigeria, the current numbers are disheartening. Since 1999, women’s representation in our National Assembly has remained disappointingly low. Despite notable contributions from Nigerian women across various sectors, only 20 of the 469 seats in our National Assembly are occupied by women. This stark gap speaks not of a lack of capable women but of institutional barriers we must dismantle.
Some view increased women’s representation as a threat to the status quo. But, ladies and gentlemen, inclusion is not displacement—it is partnership. Women’s presence complements the contributions of men, enriching the policy-making process. If we trust women to shape our homes, nurture our families, and educate our children, we must trust them to contribute to shaping our nation’s future.
Furthermore, affirmative action policies to increase women’s representation are not undemocratic.. On the contrary, they are deeply aligned with democratic principles. The Inter-Parliamentary Union and the African Union uphold affirmative action as a mechanism to correct historical inequities, enabling all voices to contribute to a truly representative democracy. The Universal Declaration on Democracy, adopted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union, affirms that democracy thrives where there is a partnership between men and women. This declaration should serve as a guiding principle in our legislative process.
As lawmakers, we are responsible for advancing policies that reflect the values of fairness and equity. I am proud to state that this 10th House has prioritised inclusivity in our Legislative Agenda. I have directed the Constitution Review Committee to focus on reforms that promote gender equity and provide additional or reserved seats for women in our legislative bodies.
We must work towards joint ticketing in elections, reserved seats, and conferring equal citizenship rights to foreigners married to Nigerian women.
However, reform is a collective responsibility, and we cannot simply issue communiqués or promises. We must translate today’s dialogue into real, actionable outcomes. The Constitution Review Committee has engaged with key institutions, including the judiciary and Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies, and received submissions from citizens and stakeholders across the country. Now, we must build on these consultations and rise with actionable models of inclusion that reflect Nigeria’s unique context.
Distinguished guests, as a father, husband, and a committed advocate for gender equity, this cause holds deep personal significance. On October 10, I vacated my seat in a special House session to Ms. Isabel Anani, a 16-year-old gender equality advocate.
This act was more than symbolic; it was a firm declaration of our commitment to valuing the voices of Nigeria’s young women.
Nigeria’s demographic realities make this engagement with young people an absolute imperative. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 60 per cent of our population is under 25, a statistic that calls us to action. To build a stronger future, we must empower young people, especially women, to participate in policy and decision-making. We must entrust them to represent us, shape policies, and drive our nation forward.
This commitment aligns closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Legislative Agenda of the House of Representatives. The President, recognising the potential and energy of our youth, is investing in a National Youth Conference to create platforms for youth engagement and address their aspirations directly.
In support of this vision, the House of Representatives will also host a Youths Townhall to develop a strategic roadmap for youth inclusion and leadership mentorship. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared determination to harness the capabilities of young Nigerians, empowering them to actively shape and lead our nation’s future.
Distinguished participants and invited guests, let us commit to making this event more than just another conversation; let us ensure that today’s outcomes drive real change. Achieving gender equity demands our shared commitment, innovation, and decisive legislative action. In this regard, I make a heartfelt plea to Her Excellency, the First Lady, to lead an advocacy campaign across all 36 states. By engaging state governors, State Houses of Assembly, and other key stakeholders, we can ensure that the proposed reforms are widely understood and supported at every level, securing the essential votes in our state assemblies to bring these changes to life.
In conclusion, I extend heartfelt appreciation to all our partners whose unwavering support has been instrumental to the House of Representatives and the Constitution Amendment Committee. I would particularly like to recognise the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for their strategic support and substantial investment, not only in this critical dialogue but in the broader mission of advancing and strengthening Nigeria’s legislative framework.
Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
