The House of Representatives in Nigeria has introduced a groundbreaking bill aimed at amending Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The proposed amendment seeks to create six special seats specifically for women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs).
Titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups) Bill, 2024 (HB.1811),” the bill was presented for its first reading during plenary on Wednesday. Sponsored by House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi (Ekiti-APC), the bill proposes increasing the total number of representatives in the House from 360 to 366, with the additional six seats dedicated to enhancing representation for these marginalized groups.
According to the details of the bill, these special seats will be evenly distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring that each region has one representative for women and PWDs. Candidates vying for these positions must meet all qualifications required for regular House members.
The proposed legislation also outlines that elections for these special seats will be conducted through an electoral college, comprising members from the National Associations of each special group. This process will incorporate input from grassroots and regional levels, creating a multi-tiered election framework.
Once elected, representatives will serve the same term as other House members and receive equivalent benefits.
Rotimi emphasized the importance of this bill, stating, “The inclusion of these special seats will ensure that the voices of underrepresented groups are heard at the national level, creating a more balanced and inclusive legislative framework for Nigeria.” He noted that women and individuals with disabilities often face significant barriers to political participation, and this amendment aims to address those challenges directly.
