National Assembly proposes 74 additional seats for women

The National Assembly Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution has proposed 74 additional seats for women across the Senate and House of Representatives, along with three reserved seats in each State House of Assembly. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele outlined the proposal at the 2026 Law Week organised by FIDA’s Ekiti State chapter. The measure would not displace existing seats and would run for 16 years, or four electoral cycles, before a comprehensive review; state assembly approval is required for the amendment to take effect. Bamidele said the proposal aims to address women’s under-representation in decision-making.