The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, GCON, has reaffirmed the parliament’s dedication to dismantling systemic barriers and enacting legislation aimed at combating gender-based violence.
Abass made these remarks during his keynote address at the National Citizens Summit on Constitutional Reform and the Campaign to End Violence Against Women and Girls, held in Abuja.
Represented by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CON, the Speaker emphasized the importance of collaboration with women’s organizations, faith leaders, and traditional institutions to amplify women’s voices, safeguard their rights, and recognize their contributions.
In a statement from Udora Orizu, Special Assistant for Press Affairs to the Deputy Speaker, Abass highlighted the summit as a crucial step in launching initiatives to boost women’s participation in political roles and eliminate violence against women and girls.
He referenced a World Health Organization report indicating that one in three women around the world suffers some form of violence, a statistic he described as both troubling and intolerable.
Abass noted that these campaigns align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims for gender equality. He insisted that they must not allow history to repeat itself, stating that this time they are better organized, equipped with renewed strategies, broader alliances, and stronger public backing.
“This event is pivotal as we join forces to end violence against women and girls,” Abass declared. “It is an opportunity to reflect on our shared values, reaffirm our commitment to good governance, and ensure that every voice is acknowledged and respected.”, he said
“Above all, it’s a moment to recommit to the rule of law, adapt our constitution to better serve society, and protect the dignity and rights of every Nigerian, regardless of gender. Democracy flourishes when citizens actively participate. The 1999 Constitution opens with ‘We the People,’ emphasizing that our democracy’s legitimacy arises from your voices. The Nigerian Constitution was not meant to be flawless; it is designed to evolve through amendments that tackle new challenges.”
He provided examples of global practices, noting that the United States Constitution has undergone 27 amendments to address significant issues like civil rights and social reforms without compromising the system’s integrity.
Since the return to democracy, the National Assembly, alongside State Houses of Assembly, has made significant progress through constitutional amendments. Key alterations have improved electoral processes, strengthened judicial independence, and granted financial autonomy to sub-national legislatures. Notable among these was the 2018 “Not Too Young To Run” amendment, which reduced the age limit for elective positions, thereby expanding political opportunities for young Nigerians.
“These reforms are intentional, transparent, and highlight the legislature’s role in consolidating democracy and enhancing governance.
The 10th House of Representatives is focused on initiating constitutional amendments ahead of election cycles, ensuring ample time for debate, consultation, and public input. Previously, amendments were often rushed, leading to less-than-ideal outcomes. Our approach prioritizes thorough discussion, expert contributions, and extensive public feedback, ensuring that the amendments are inclusive, durable, and effective.
As we prepare for the 2025 Appropriation, the House of Representatives is prioritizing the needs of women and girls, acknowledging their vital role in our nation’s growth. We invite everyone to contribute to this effort by highlighting areas you believe should be prioritized in the 2025 budget.
This approach underscores our commitment to transparency and inclusivity, evidenced by our series of budget town halls designed to gather public input. Your perspectives and recommendations will help us develop a budget that addresses the needs of all Nigerians. Under my leadership, we will pursue constitutional reforms that meet our nation’s needs and prioritize the empowerment, safety, and full engagement of women and girls.”
