The National Assembly is considering a proposal to create 74 additional legislative seats exclusively for women as part of efforts to address their under-representation in Nigeria’s political institutions.

The proposal provides for one additional seat for women in the Senate and one in the House of Representatives for each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, bringing the total number of proposed seats at the federal level to 74.

It also provides for three additional women-only seats in each of the 36 State Houses of Assembly, amounting to 108 seats across the states.

The proposed constitutional amendment is intended to increase women’s participation in legislative decision-making without displacing existing constituencies or preventing women from contesting regular legislative seats.

The initiative is associated with a bill sponsored by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and other lawmakers. It seeks amendments to relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to establish the special seats.

Under the proposal, the arrangement would operate for a limited period and undergo review after 16 years.

Supporters of the initiative have argued that affirmative action is necessary to address the persistent gender imbalance in Nigeria’s legislative institutions.

During earlier deliberations, co-sponsor Joshua Gana said the measure was designed to promote equitable representation and ensure women had a greater role in shaping national and state policies.

Some lawmakers, however, raised concerns about reserving seats on the basis of gender, arguing that political parties should instead adopt measures to improve women's participation in elections.

The proposal has formed part of the wider constitutional review process. It has not yet become law and remains subject to the required legislative and constitutional approval procedures.

The proposed arrangement would add to existing legislative positions rather than replace them, allowing women to continue competing for conventional constituencies.