The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, has disclosed that a proposed constitutional amendment before the National Assembly seeks to create 37 additional seats for women in the Senate and another 37 in the House of Representatives.
The proposal would also reserve three extra seats for women in each state House of Assembly.
Bamidele made the disclosure on Monday at the 2026 Law Week of the Ekiti State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). The event was themed “Justice in a Changing World: Responding to New Challenges Affecting Women and Children.”
He said the bill, which seeks to alter the 1999 Constitution to provide special seats for women in the National and state Houses of Assembly, is currently receiving the attention of lawmakers.
One Extra Seat Per State And FCT
Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central and is Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, said the new seats would not affect those held by elected members.
According to him, each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would get one additional seat in each chamber of the National Assembly.
“The proposal, as it stands, is meticulous in its design. It seeks to add 37 seats in the Senate and 37 seats in the House of Representatives,” he said.
He added that the three seats proposed for each state assembly would be reserved for women, without removing or replacing any sitting member.
16-Year Sunset Clause
The Senate Leader said the arrangement would run for 16 years, covering four electoral cycles, before a comprehensive review.
“This is a sunset clause designed to ensure sustainability and to allow for the organic development of a more inclusive political culture,” he said.
He noted that the proposal followed consultations with stakeholders and was not being rushed.
Bamidele further explained that the National Assembly was engaging state Houses of Assembly, as their approval is required before the amendment can become law.
“Not A Partisan Endeavour”
Bamidele stressed that the initiative was not designed to favour any political party, but to address the low representation of women in political leadership.
He credited the advocacy of prominent Nigerians, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, for strengthening the National Assembly’s commitment to the plan.
“The special seat initiative is not a partisan endeavour. It is a historic imperative,” he said.
“A democracy that systematically excludes over half of its population from the decision-making tables that determine their futures is, at best, a flawed democracy and, at worst, a veiled oligarchy.”
Call For Stronger Protection Laws
Beyond the seats proposal, Bamidele called for stronger laws and policies to protect women, children and persons with disabilities. He urged the government to improve access to healthcare, education and social support for vulnerable groups.
He said justice must be accessible, affordable, timely and effective, and not remain merely a constitutional promise.
“A woman who suffers domestic violence must be able to seek protection without intimidation or social condemnation. A child who experiences abuse must be heard, protected from further harm, and provided with appropriate support,” he said.
He also called for collaboration among the legislature, executive, judiciary, security agencies, civil society, religious and traditional leaders and the private sector. He urged FIDA to help identify gaps in existing laws and recommend reforms.
Other Speakers
The Vice-Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, warned that artificial intelligence and digital platforms had created new threats, including cyberstalking, online harassment, fake images, impersonation and child exploitation. She called for stronger laws and inter-agency cooperation to tackle them.
The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Lekan Ogunmoye, said Bamidele was well suited to speak on the issues, noting the need for legislative and policy reforms to better protect women and children.
FIDA Ekiti Chairperson, Ayobami Olowoyo-Richards, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to protecting the rights of women and children. She urged stakeholders to strengthen laws and institutions so that victims can access justice when needed.
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