The Conference of State Youth Parliament Speakers (COSYPS) has thrown its full weight behind the Reserved Seats Bill for Women, describing it as a decisive breakthrough for gender-balanced governance in Nigeria.
The COSYPS Deputy Chairperson, Itunuoluwa Soniregun, made this known in a statement on Monday after its leadership session.
The conference noted that the Bill represented a historic shift toward fairness, inclusion, and democratic renewal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 9, passed for Second Reading, a Constitution Alteration Bill to provide Special Seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly (HB 1349).
The bill is sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and 12 other members of the House and proposes the creation of one additional legislative seat to be contested by women only for each State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the Senate and House of Representatives, which would total 74 seats.
It further proposes three special seats for women each at the 36 State Houses of Assembly totalling 108 women only seats. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.
This bill was first introduced in the 9th National Assembly.
The COSYPS deputy chairperson said that the Reserved Seats Bill aimed at addressing the historical underrepresentation of women in governance.
It seeks to promote more inclusive policymaking and enhance gender equality by giving women a guaranteed voice in decision-making.
Soniregun commended Federal lawmakers for prioritising equity in political representation and advancing a governance vision that valued every citizen’s potential, particularly those of young women across the country.
“As young legislators and champions of inclusive democracy, we believe Nigeria thrives when every voice counts.
“The Reserved Seats Bill empowers women, strengthens institutions, and accelerates national development for generations,” she added.
The COSYPS deputy chairperson noted that youth parliaments nationwide had witnessed the transformative power of women in leadership
She added that, particularly at grassroots levels, female participation had driven innovation, policy impact, and community resilience.
“We have seen young women lead brilliantly at community and state levels, solving problems, inspiring peers, and shaping policy.
“Institutionalising representation will unlock new leadership possibilities and advance democratic excellence,” Soniregun said.
The COSYPS deputy chairperson described the Bill as a bold step toward correcting political imbalance and building a modern democracy anchored on equity, justice, and shared progress for all social groups.
According to her, the Bill is not only symbolic; it is a structural reform to uplift women, deepen equity, and build a nation where opportunity is determined by talent, not gender barriers across Nigeria.
She urged civic groups, media organisations, youth networks, and development partners to amplify advocacy for the Bill and ensure its smooth passage into law without compromise.
The conference reaffirmed its readiness to partner with institutions at all levels to strengthen democratic culture, promote youth engagement, and champion gender-responsive policies across Nigeria.
Advocacy groups and political leaders are intensifying efforts to ensure the Bill’s passage.
