The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., has reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to advance gender-related legislation, ensuring greater participation for Nigerian women in politics.
During a meeting on Tuesday with a delegation of women in politics, Speaker Abbas emphasized that women’s representation in parliament is a fundamental right, not a privilege. The gathering, attended by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the Constitution Review Committee, followed the recent International Legislative Dialogue on Women and the Constitution Amendment Process held in Abuja.
Expressing concern over the need for women to lobby for their rights, Speaker Abbas remarked, “It saddens me that we are here listening to appeals for what is inherently a right. If I had known this was the reason for our meeting, I would have assured you to rest easy—this House is committed to fulfilling its promises.”
Speaker Abbas vowed that the 10th Assembly would work towards historic legislative changes by passing all gender-related bills aimed at constitutional amendments.
“This time, history will be made. I am confident that all 360 members are united in support,” he asserted.
He further expressed hope for a future where women are fully represented across all government branches. “I look forward to seeing women not only in parliament but also holding executive roles—imagine a female president or governor with a woman deputy. This vision is achievable, and if it doesn’t happen now, it will remain a work in progress. But for the current agenda, consider it done,” he affirmed.
The leader of the delegation, Mrs. Amina Darasimi Bryhm, National Women Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed gratitude for Speaker Abbas’s unwavering support. “We are delighted to be here, and pleased that you supported us at the dialogue yesterday. We appreciate having a Speaker who is a true ‘he-for-she’ in our patriarchal society.”
Mrs. Bryhm pledged that women would intensify their efforts to achieve their objectives, thanking Speaker Abbas and the National Assembly for their backing.
South African Parliament member Dudu Zuma-Sambudla, who also attended, praised Speaker Abbas for advocating for women’s rights, describing women as the peaceful backbone of any society. Civil society representatives echoed her sentiments, highlighting that women, as “beautifiers of spaces,” would bring positive transformation to politics if given more opportunities.
Former Senator and House member, Sen. Binta Masi Garba, expressed her gratitude to the Speaker’s office for amplifying women’s voices. She noted that while women constitute 49.4% of Nigeria’s population and excel in various professions, they remain underrepresented in politics. She clarified that women are not seeking equal representation with men but rather a fair share of available seats.
**Signed:**
*Musa Abdullahi Krishi*
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
