Labour, Women Groups Advocate Inclusivity, Fairness In Constitution Amendment

Women advocacy groups and the organized labor have urged the Constitution Amendment Committee to ensure inclusivity and fairness as it considers proposed changes to the 1999 Constitution.

At the North Central Zonal Public Hearing held in Minna, Niger State, representatives from Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States made submissions pressing for greater representation of women and protection of labor rights.

Speaking on behalf of the group, “Women Participating in Politics”, Abaniwo Nathaniel
urged lawmakers to amend Sections 48, 49, 71, 72, and 91 of the Constitution to allow for special seats for women in the legislature.

“There are no women currently representing us in this center,” he said. “We’ve seen the positive impact of women-led governance in countries like Rwanda, where over 61% of lawmakers are women. Nigeria can achieve the same.”

The Coalition of Women Groups in Niger State also threw its weight behind the proposal.

Represented by Deborah Salawu Zuma, the coalition decried the country’s 4.6% female representation in parliament and called for reforms to amplify women’s voices in governance.

“We want Nigeria to join the ranks of nations with meaningful women representation,” Zuma said.

“This bill will give women space to advocate, lead, and mentor the next generation.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Niger State voiced opposition to a proposed amendment that would move labor issues from the exclusive to the concurrent legislative list.

Speaking at the hearing, NLC Chairman Comrade Idrees AbdulKareem Lafene warned that such a shift could undermine national labor standards, including the minimum wage, and violate international labor conventions.

Lafene also called for the enforcement of socio-economic rights, judicial reforms, and stronger local government autonomy, emphasizing the need for direct funding for primary schools and community-based security frameworks.

Responding to the presentations, Constitution Review Committee member, Alhassan Ado Doguwa praised the 10th House of Representatives for opening up the process for public input.

“The Constitution is a living document, not cast in stone,” Doguwa said.

“We will take all recommendations seriously to reflect the will of Nigerians.”

Doguwa also reiterated his personal support for women’s representation, adding,

“The voice of women has always been my voice. I was raised by a mother, I have daughters and wives—so I understand their value.”

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji