Governors’ Support for Reserved Seats Bill a Win for Women — NUJ FCT Council.

By Raymond Enoch

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Federal Capital Territory (NUJ FCT) Council, has applauded the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for endorsing the Reserved Seats for Women Bill (HB 1349), describing the move as a landmark victory in the struggle for gender equity and inclusive governance in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, the council commended the governors for what it called their “progressive and visionary stance,” noting that the endorsement — made at the conclusion of the NGF’s fifth meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025 — demonstrated a strong political will to promote women’s participation in governance at all levels.

According to Ike, the proposed legislation seeks to establish special constituencies contested exclusively by women, a move aimed at correcting Nigeria’s long-standing gender imbalance in legislative representation.

“The endorsement by the Governors is a bold step toward advancing gender justice, equity, and balanced democratic representation,” she said.

The NUJ FCT Council urged members of the National and State Assemblies to support the bill when it comes up for debate and passage during their joint sessions scheduled for November 4–6, 2025.

The council also called on the media, civil society organisations, and the general public to intensify advocacy and enlightenment campaigns on the importance of inclusive governance, stressing that politically empowering women remains essential to national development.

“With this bill, Nigeria stands on the brink of a transformative shift that will strengthen democracy, promote fairness, and give women the voice they rightly deserve in shaping the nation’s future,” the statement added.

The NUJ FCT reaffirmed its commitment to supporting gender-equity reforms, describing the NGF’s action as a sign of positive momentum that must be sustained as legislative deliberations continue