Imo NAWOJ Supports Special Seats Bill, Demands Urgent Passage

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State Chapter, has called for the immediate passage of the Special Seats Bill (HB1349) currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria.

In a statement issued on February 16, 2026, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Imo State, Dorothy Nnaji, said the chapter aligns with the association’s national leadership and other state chapters in advocating for the bill’s swift approval.

The group described the persistent underrepresentation of women in Nigeria’s legislative institutions as a “serious democratic deficit,” stressing that no democracy can thrive when half of its population remains marginalised in political leadership and decision-making processes.

According to NAWOJ, the Special Seats Bill is aimed at correcting historical imbalances and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through deliberate structural reforms to ensure inclusive governance.
“For decades, Nigerian women have demonstrated competence, resilience, and capacity across sectors including law, education, business, media, public service, and community leadership. Yet political representation has not reflected this reality,” the statement read.

The association urged Senators and Members of the House of Representatives from Imo State to rise above partisan interests and support the bill without dilution or delay. It also called on the Imo State House of Assembly to publicly endorse national efforts to increase women’s political representation.

NAWOJ further appealed to political parties, civil society organisations, professional bodies, traditional institutions, and community leaders across the state to lend visible support to the proposed legislation.

The group maintained that inclusive governance strengthens accountability, enhances policy responsiveness, and accelerates socio-economic development, adding that women’s empowerment in leadership positions is a constitutional and democratic imperative.

As part of its advocacy efforts, NAWOJ Imo State said it would engage key stakeholders and lawmakers, organise strategic media engagements to educate the public on the bill, collaborate with women and youth groups, and sustain public discourse until meaningful legislative action is achieved.

Describing the moment as critical for Nigeria’s democracy, the association insisted that the passage of the Special Seats Bill would promote equity, inclusive governance, and a more representative nation.

The statement was signed by Dorothy Nnaji, Ph.D, Chairperson, NAWOJ Imo State Chapter.