Introduction to Women’s Representation in Governance
The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), supported by the European Union (EU), has released survey findings showing overwhelming public support for women’s representation in governance. The results were presented on Tuesday during a webinar titled ‘Sustaining Momentum for the Special Seats Bill: Survey Insights on Public Understanding and Support’.
Survey Findings
The nationwide poll, commissioned by PLAC and conducted by NOIPolls in June 2025, surveyed more than 3,000 Nigerians across all six geo-political zones, 36 states, and the FCT. Dr Chike Nwangwu, CEO of NOIPolls, noted that although public awareness remains low, there is significant support for women’s political representation across all demographics surveyed. Presenting findings from the Perception Poll Report on Public Awareness and Understanding of the Special Seats Bill, Nwangwu said 91 per cent of respondents supported increased women’s participation in governance. He added that 96 per cent of women and 89 per cent of men backed this view, reflecting a broad consensus across gender lines.
Public Trust and Participation
Nwangwu stated that 58 per cent of respondents expressed trust in institutions to advance the Bill, but participation in consultations or public forums remained very low at one per cent. Nearly half, 49 per cent of respondents, recommended public awareness campaigns as the most effective strategy to build support, followed by social media mobilisation and partnerships with women’s groups.
Commitment to Inclusive Governance
Omolara Akinyeye, Deputy Executive Director of PLAC, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring inclusive governance remains firmly on the legislative agenda. She stressed that the Special Seats Bill, which seeks to create additional legislative seats for women, would remain the central focus of advocacy efforts. Akinyeye noted the strong support from the leadership of the 10th National Assembly and urged that public backing must be translated into concrete legislative outcomes. She praised civil society efforts, stressing the opportunity to convert data into action by leveraging survey findings to sustain momentum.
Call to Action
“The real test lies in transforming the current energy into citizen demands on representatives – demands that become actual votes on the floor of the National Assembly,” she said. OlaOluwa Olawumi, EU Programme Manager on Democracy, Rule of Law, and Gender, highlighted the EU’s commitment to inclusive governance and anticipation of further deliberations on the Bill. “True development cannot be achieved without ensuring all members of society have a voice in decisions that affect them. Women’s political participation is essential for sustainable development and overall societal progress. The EU will continue supporting opportunities that strengthen women’s involvement in governance and decision-making,” Olawumi said.
Importance of Political Advocacy
Former House of Representatives member from Taraba, Rimamnde Shawulu, stressed the importance of political advocacy at the constituency level to advance inclusive representation. Similarly, Esther Ijeaku, CEO of Skill Hub Consulting, highlighted strategic communications as vital for advocacy, stressing how empowered civil society groups can drive sustainable impact on the Bill.
Conclusion
The survey findings and subsequent discussions highlight the importance of women’s representation in governance and the need for sustained momentum to achieve concrete legislative outcomes. With the support of the EU and the commitment of organisations like PLAC, there is a strong foundation for advancing inclusive governance in Nigeria.
FAQs
Q: What is the Special Seats Bill?
A: The Special Seats Bill seeks to create additional legislative seats for women in Nigeria.
Q: What were the findings of the nationwide poll conducted by NOIPolls?
A: The poll found that 91 per cent of respondents supported increased women’s participation in governance, with 96 per cent of women and 89 per cent of men backing this view.
Q: What strategies were recommended to build support for the Bill?
A: Respondents recommended public awareness campaigns, social media mobilisation, and partnerships with women’s groups as the most effective strategies to build support.
Q: What is the EU’s commitment to inclusive governance?
A: The EU is committed to supporting opportunities that strengthen women’s involvement in governance and decision-making, and anticipates further deliberations on the Bill.
