The assurance was given on Monday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Law Week of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria, Abuja Branch. The event, themed “Advancing Women’s Representation: Reserved Seats and the Future of Nigeria’s Legislature,” focused on the need for gender inclusion in lawmaking.
Akpabio, represented by Senator Idiat Oluranti, said the theme of the Law Week was timely as it reflects FIDA’s continued advocacy for gender equality, inclusiveness and meaningful representation of women in governance. He noted that a woman’s influence is foundational, recalling the discipline, resilience and values instilled in him by his mother.
“The potential of women is not supplementary. When I speak for women and advocate gender equality, I do so as a matter of policy,” Akpabio said.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu stressed that Nigeria could no longer ignore its skewed representation, highlighting that women make up almost half of the country’s population.
“Nearly 49.43 per cent of Nigerians are women. Yet their representation in our political system does not reflect this reality,” Kalu said, adding that the National Assembly would give due consideration to the Reserved Seats Bill currently before it.
The leadership of the National Assembly further assured advocates that the bill would receive thoughtful, comprehensive deliberation as part of efforts to improve balance and strengthen democratic inclusiveness.
