In recent years, female parliamentarians in the House of Representatives have been making significant strides, reshaping the political landscape and pushing forward an agenda of inclusivity, development, and social justice. Despite the historically male-dominated nature of Nigerian politics, these women have emerged as powerful voices, championing a range of issues that resonate deeply with the
In recent years, female parliamentarians in the House of Representatives have been making significant strides, reshaping the political landscape and pushing forward an agenda of inclusivity, development, and social justice. Despite the historically male-dominated nature of Nigerian politics, these women have emerged as powerful voices, championing a range of issues that resonate deeply with the nation’s diverse population.
Today, we continue our focus on the women in the National Assembly as part of the inclusivity reporting mandate by the NDR under the European Union support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN 11) project under Component 4: Support to the media with the International Press Centre as lead partner. The second and concluding part will be published later.
Hon. Mariam Onuoha
Hon Maryam Onuoha
One of the most notable figures is Hon. Mariam Onuoha, representing Isiala Mbano/Okigwe/Onuimo Federal Constituency in Imo State. As the Chairperson of TETFUND and other Services, Hon. Onuoha has broken several barriers, becoming one of the highest-ranking female officials in the House. Her leadership has been instrumental in steering legislative discussions toward critical areas such as security, environment, finance, healthcare, and education.
Hon Onuoha has sponsored the following bills within one legislative year; Federal Medical Centres Act (Amendment) Bill 2023, Federal College of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Sciences Bill,2023, Anti-torture Act (Amendment)Bill 2023, Electricity Act (Amendment)Bill 2023, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Act(Amendment) Bill 2023, Insurance Act(Amendment)Bill2023 and Banks and other Financial Institution Act(Amendment) Bill,2023.
Others are Nigerian Communications Act (Amendment) Bill,2023, Federal Capital Territory Act(Amendment) Bill 2023, Nigerian Ports Authority Act(Amendment) Bill 2023, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act (Amendment) Bill 2023, Administration of Criminal Justice Act (Amendment) Bill 2023, Payment of judgment debt by Federal Government (Establishment) Bill 2023 and Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund Act (Amendment) Bill 2023.
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara
Hon. Kafilat Ogbara representing Kosofe Federal Constituency in Lagos State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has also been a formidable force in advocating for women’s rights. Her efforts to push forward the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill, which seeks to eliminate discrimination against women and ensure equal opportunities in education and employment, have garnered widespread support. Hon. Ogbara’s dedication to social justice has made her a respected figure both within and outside the parliamentary walls.
At the premiere of the movie: “Funmilayo Ransome – Kuti” in Lagos, the media executive -turned Federal Legislator vowed to continue to fight for women’s rights and gender equity, particularly girl-child education. She has co-sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre, Kosofe, Lagos state.
As the Chairperson for the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Ogbara has been having a cold relationship with the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy – Ohanenye over the nonpayment of contractors in the ministry and the alleged disappearance of the money the job done for the ministry.
Hon. Regina AkumeHon. Regina Akume
Education and youth empowerment have been at the forefront of Hon. Regina Akume’s agenda. Representing Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency in Benue State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Akume has been a vocal advocate for policies that enhance educational access and quality.
Her initiatives aim to reduce the educational disparity between urban and rural areas, ensuring that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to succeed.
She was appointed by the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to chair the ad-hoc committee on the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board(JAMB) on the extension of the validity period of UTME results for at least three years and conduct the examination twice annually. The committee has since submitted its report to the House.
Hon. Akume is the Chairperson of the House Committee on the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga
Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, a two-term lawmaker is the current Deputy Chief Whip in the House of Representatives. She is the only female Principal Officer among the 19 men in both Chambers. She represents Ikenne/ Shagamu/Remo North on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and is a strong advocate for an “extra seat “for women in the National Assembly.
She has sponsored bills on Ecological Fund Management Board (Establishment) Bill 2023, National Metallurgical Training Institute, Shagamu, Ogun state (Establishment)Bill 2023, Federal University of Science and Technology, Remo, Ogun state(Establishment) Bill 2023 and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999( Alteration) Bill 2023.
Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim
Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim
Hon. Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim is representing the good people of Damaturu/Gujba Gulama/Tar Federal Constituency of Yobe State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). She is a ranking member of the House of Representatives. She was a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Currently, she is the Chairperson of, the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration.
Healthcare improvement is one area where female parliamentarians have made significant contributions. Hon. Ibrahim has been a leading advocate for maternal and child health programs, pushing for increased funding and better healthcare infrastructure. Her efforts have contributed to a greater national focus on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, a critical issue in many parts of Nigeria.
In 2004, she was appointed Commissioner for Transport and Energy, Yobe State. Her primary responsibility was overseeing the energy supply in rural areas and transport networks in the State. In 2006, she was appointed Resident Commissioner, Nicon Insurance, Yobe State and in 2016, she was made the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Hon. Ibrahim was a five-time member of the House of Representatives. She was first elected in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011 and 2015,2019 and 2023. She was first lady to the late governor of Yobe state who later became a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Alhaji Bukar Abba Ibrahim.
Hon. Blessing Onuh is a ranking member of the House of Representatives. She represents the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal constituency of Benue state. She is the daughter of Dr. David Mark, former Senate President.
Hon. Onuh who is the Chairperson of the House Committee on Land Transport served as mandate Secretary of the Social Development Department where she supervised the rehabilitation of commercial sex workers and out-of-school children in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In February 2023, Hon Onuh moved a motion on the floor of the House calling for an urgent need to investigate the recurrent attacks of herdsmen on the Entekpa and Iwilli communities of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Hon. Tolulope Akande – Sadipe
Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe represents Oluyole Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). She is the House Committee Chairperson on Diaspora.
The Oluyole-born politician has moved a motion on the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) (Establishment) Bill 2023 a motion on the need to ascertain Nigeria in Diaspora remittances.
Hon. Akande-Sadipe is passionate about Diaspora voting and has promised to re-introduce on the floor of the House a bill on it very soon.
Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu
Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu
Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu is a member of the House on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She is the daughter of the former governor of Delta state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, and currently represents the Ethiope East/ Ethiope West Federal Constituency.
Hon. Ibori-Suenu’s journey to the House of Representatives was not paved on gold and roses, she went through two layers of court to regain her mandate on 7 November 2023 when the Court of Appeal, Lagos division pronounced her the winner of the February 2023 House of Representatives election.
She is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician who has a soft spot for women, youths, and People with Disabilities.
Hon. Ibori-Suenu as the Chairperson of the Niger Delta Development Commission is determined to influence development in the Niger Delta area.
These female parliamentarians have not only advanced key legislative agendas but have also inspired a new generation of women to participate in politics. Their success stories challenge traditional norms and demonstrate that women can hold their own in the highest echelons of political power. Their presence and performance in the House of Representatives serve as a powerful reminder that inclusive governance leads to more comprehensive and effective policymaking.
The wave of female parliamentarians making impactful contributions in Nigeria’s House of Representatives signifies a positive shift towards gender equality and inclusive governance. As they continue to break new ground and inspire future generations, the hope is that their efforts will pave the way for a more balanced and equitable political landscape in Nigeria.
Continue reading the full report
Part 2 available here: National Assembly: Female Parliamentarians Making Waves in the House of Reps (2) – Nigerian Democratic Report (ndr.org.ng)
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