YENAGOA (BAYELSA): Women leaders and stakeholders from across the Niger Delta have called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Special Seats Bill (SSB) to enhance women’s participation in governance and decision-making in Nigeria.
The call formed part of the resolutions reached at the 2026 Niger Delta Women Conference with the theme: “Empowering Niger Delta Women for Enhanced Political Inclusion, Peace and Development Through Advocacy for the Passage of the Special Seats Bill,” held at Lady Daima Hall, Osiri Road, Ekeki, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The conference was convened by the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Government and the British Council as part of efforts aimed at bridging the widening gender gap in political representation and governance in the region.
Delegates from Edo State at the conference included the Edo State PANDEF Woman Leader, Princess Peju Erese, Hon. Osaro Obadigie, Hon. Elizabeth Abai, Barrister (Mrs) Tessy Omijie and Pastor (Mrs) Abies Uyigue Ayela, among others.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the conference, participants noted that empowering women is not only a matter of equity but also a strategic approach to achieving sustainable peace, inclusive governance and development in the Niger Delta region.
The participants also acknowledged the historic contributions of prominent Nigerian women activists such as Margaret Ekpo and Ann-Kio Briggs, whose efforts they said laid the foundation for women’s participation in the governance and nation-building in Nigeria.
While noting that the Niger Delta region currently has two female deputy governors, the conference described the development as a sign of hope but stressed that more deliberate steps must be taken to increase women’s representation in elected and appointive positions across the region.
The conference resolved to intensify advocacy for the passage of the Special Seats Bill currently before the National Assembly, while also calling on political parties to institutionalize internal quotas and reduce financial barriers that hinder women from contesting elective positions.
Participants further recommended the creation of a Niger Delta Women’s Fund to support women interested in politics, as well as the establishment of mentorship platforms, leadership training programmes and stronger collaboration with universities, civil society organisations and development partners.
The conference also urged Niger Delta governors and state legislatures to support constitutional reforms that will enhance women’s representation in governance, even as stakeholders commended PANDEF for organising the conference and called for sustained advocacy and follow-up engagements to ensure the implementation of its resolutions and follow-up engagements to ensure the implementation of its resolutions.
