Reps Seek To Increase Membership From 360 To 366

From Victor Osula, Abuja

 

The Nigerian House of Representatives has introduced a bill seeking to increase the membership of the Green Chamber from 360 to 366.

The bill Seeks to amend Section 49 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to allocate six special seats for women and persons living with disabilities (PWDs).

Titled: “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Sixth Alteration) (Six Special Seats for Special Interest Groups) Bill, 2024 (HB.1811)”, the bill was presented for its first reading during plenary on Wednesday by House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi (Ekiti-APC).

If approved, Rotimi said the six additional seats would be distributed evenly across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring one representative from each group per region. Candidates for these seats must meet all qualifications required for regular House members.

The bill also proposes that elections for these roles would be conducted through an electoral college made up of members from the National Associations of each special group, with input from grassroots and regional levels in a multi-tiered election process.

It added that once elected, the representatives would serve the same term as other House members and receive equivalent benefits, as outlined in the bill.

The bill aims to enhance representation for women and individuals with disabilities, who often face significant barriers to political participation.

“The inclusion of these special seats will ensure that the voices of underrepresented groups are heard at the national level, creating a more balanced and inclusive legislative framework for Nigeria”, he added.