By Mercy Aikoye
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has declared the 10th House a decisive term for achieving gender inclusion and balance in Nigerian politics and governance. He made this statement while hosting a delegation from the British Parliament, emphasizing the House’s commitment to ensuring gender parity through constitutional reforms.
The 10th House boasts a diverse membership, with seven different political parties represented, a first in the legislature’s history. Additionally, the House has established dedicated committees for women and youth, including the Committee on Women Affairs, Women in Parliament, Youth Development, and Youth in Parliament. These committees aim to provide a platform for women and youth to contribute to the decision-making process.
Speaker Abbas assured the British delegation that the House will play a crucial role in actualizing gender parity. He highlighted the proposed legislation that allocates 33% of parliamentary seats to women and 30% of non-elective positions across all tiers and arms of government. This initiative draws inspiration from similar successful programs in Uganda and Tanzania.
The Speaker expressed his gratitude to the President and First Lady for their support in promoting women’s inclusion in governance. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the UK Parliament in achieving these goals, seeking advice and support to ensure the successful passage of the proposed legislation.
Kate Ofunne Osamor, leader of the British delegation, stated that their visit aimed to strengthen parliamentary diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the UK. They also sought to understand the state of diversity and gender inclusivity in Nigeria’s Legislature and governance.
During the meeting, Speaker Abbas explained the leadership structure and composition of the House, while other members provided insights into the workings of the House through its committees. The Speaker reiterated his commitment to ensuring women’s inclusion in governance, emphasizing that the constitution amendment exercise will proceed as planned.
The proposed legislation and constitutional reforms mark a significant step towards achieving gender balance in Nigerian politics and governance. With the support of the UK Parliament and other stakeholders, the 10th House is poised to make a decisive impact on promoting women’s inclusion and empowerment in Nigeria.
