CHUKWUEBUKA OHIZU
Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD) has called on all federal lawmakers in Nigeria to vote in favour of the reserved bill to promote inclusive government.
DAILY NEWS NIGERIA reports that the bill, which seeks a Reserved Bill, is a proposed constitutional amendment to increase women’s political representation, with the aim of creating additional reserved seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to address marginalisation of women in politics.
Obinna Nwagbara, Executive Director of Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD), called on Nigeria’s federal lawmakers to vote in favour of the Reserved Bill, which he tagged a legislative measure designed to advance inclusion and broaden participation in government processes.
According to him, “the Reserved Bill represents a critical step toward ensuring that persons with disabilities, women, and other historically marginalised groups have meaningful seats at the policy-making table, thereby strengthening accountability, transparency, and the delivery of public services across the nation.”
He said that YSAD believes that inclusion in government is not merely a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s development.
YSAD said that by safeguarding reserved seats or reserved policy mechanisms for under-represented communities, the bill would help diversify perspectives, foster innovative solutions to national challenges, and improve policy outcomes that affect the everyday lives of Nigerians.
“We acknowledge that genuine inclusion requires concrete guarantees, sufficient resources, and robust implementation frameworks.
“The Reserved Bill, when enacted with these elements in place, can provide the structural foundation for sustained citizen engagement, greater trust in public institutions, and more equitable access to opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The group said that as Nigeria looks toward a future of dynamic economic growth, social cohesion, and resilient institutions, it is imperative that federal lawmakers demonstrate political courage and a commitment to equality by supporting the Reserved Bill.
YSAD urges all members of the National Assembly to prioritise inclusive governance, engage with civil society, and listen to the voices of youth, women, persons with disabilities, and marginalised groups whose contributions are essential to the nation’s progress.
“Our organisation remains ready to collaborate with lawmakers, government agencies, and partners across sectors to monitor implementation, advocate for transparency, and empower communities to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.”
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