THE 10th National Assembly has enacted numerous bills since its official inauguration in June 2023.
Nevertheless, specific sensitive or contentious bills remain in limbo, pending public hearings and legislative approval.
Newsextra24 reports that the National Assembly has had to intervene in a recent controversy regarding the Federal Government’s proposal to impose an age limit of 18 years for students wishing to take the West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
This proposal, introduced by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, has elicited significant backlash from various stakeholders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and numerous civil society organizations (CSOs).
Notable individuals and political stakeholders have characterized the policy as “outdated and oppressive,” calling on the government to suspend its implementation and engage in discussions with stakeholders in the education sector to consider the implications.
In light of the public dissent, the Senate has announced its intention to conduct a public hearing when it is presented to the senators.
This report outlines the pertinent bills as federal lawmakers reconvene following their recess on September 17.
Below are the major bills before the 10th National Assembly as of this report’s filing.
- Bill on a six-year single term for presidents and governors
- Bills on parliamentary system
- Police Act Amendment Bill
- Ranches Commission Bill
- NIMC Act Repeal Bill
- Bill seeking special seats for female legislators
- Bill on diaspora voting
Bill on a Six-year Single Term for Presidents and Governors
Naija News understands that among the top bills before the National Assembly is a legislative proposal to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish a single six-year term for president, state governors, and local government chairmen.
This bill is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.
This proposal, known as the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill 2024,” has been introduced by Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, along with the support of 50 additional lawmakers.
The bill seeks to modify Sections 7, 135, 137, 180, and 182 of the Constitution. Notably, Clause 2 suggests the addition of a new subsection (5) to Section 7, which mandates that local government chairmen complete their term after a single six-year period.
Clause 3 recommends an amendment to Section 135, changing the term from “four” to “six,” thereby instituting a single six-year term for the presidency.
Further provisions include considerations for time served before a re-run election and including time served during an annulled election as part of the six-year term.
Also, the bill permits the National Assembly to extend the president’s term in times of war, with each extension limited to a maximum of six months.
This proposed legislation has ignited discussions among lawmakers and political analysts, with some contending that it may mitigate the disruptive effects of frequent elections.
In contrast, others caution that it could lead to an excessive concentration of power in the hands of a single individual.
Bills On the Parliamentary System
Three legislative proposals to transition from the existing presidential system to a parliamentary system of governance are currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.
These bills, titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024,” are sponsored by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda and 59 other representatives, and they seek to reshape the country’s governance framework fundamentally.
Under the proposed system, the Prime Minister would assume the role of head of government, while the president would take on a ceremonial position.
The proponents of these bills have been engaging with key stakeholders to garner support for this transition.
They have discussions with prominent individuals, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, to evaluate the advantages of adopting a parliamentary system.
The advocates contend that this model could enhance accountability and efficiency in governance, as the Prime Minister would be directly accountable to the legislature.
They have suggested implementing the new system after President Tinubu and other currently elected officials complete their second terms, facilitating a seamless transition.
Nonetheless, the bills encounter considerable obstacles, as a significant portion of the Nigerian populace is familiar with the presidential system, and there are apprehensions regarding the practicality of such a substantial shift in governance.
Police Act Amendment Bill
A significant piece of legislation currently under consideration in the House is the “Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB 1461),” which proposes amendments to the Nigeria Police Act of 2020.
This bill, introduced by Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen and Representative Abubakar Makki Yalleman, aims to extend the tenure of police personnel, thereby enhancing their experience and mitigating the expenses related to the training and recruitment of new officers.
The explanatory memorandum accompanying the bill underscores the importance of retaining seasoned personnel, which is anticipated to boost the morale, performance, and job satisfaction of police officers.
The bill underwent expedited first and second readings on May 21, 2024, and was subsequently assigned to the House Committee on Police Affairs for additional legislative consideration.
Should the bill be enacted, it is projected to alleviate the shortage of experienced police personnel in the nation, a persistent issue highlighted by security experts and the public alike.
The proposed amendments are also viewed as a means to professionalize the police force and enhance its operational efficiency in addressing the country’s intricate security challenges.
Ranches Commission Bill
Naija News understands that the National Ranches Commission Establishment Bill 2024 is currently one of the more contentious legislative proposals pending a public hearing.
Introduced by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (APC, Benue North West), the bill seeks to create ranches for herders within their respective states of origin, necessitating their relocation.
It outlines stringent regulations, including a potential five-year imprisonment and a fine of ₦50,000 for non-compliance.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the movement of cattle must occur solely via vehicles, prohibiting livestock from straying or grazing outside the designated ranch areas.
The bill has encountered significant resistance from northern senators, who contend that it may disrupt the traditional nomadic practices of herders. Nevertheless, it passed its second reading in the Senate on June 5.
The bill’s proponent asserts that the establishment of ranches would mitigate the ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers, which have resulted in numerous deaths and the displacement of communities in recent years.
The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has committed to ensuring a thorough public hearing to solicit feedback from all pertinent stakeholders, including cattle herders, state governments, and civil society organizations.
However, a specific date for this public hearing has yet to be announced.
NIMC Act Repeal Bill
A proposed legislation to repeal the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2017 is currently awaiting a public hearing in the Senate.
The legislation, known as the “National Identity Management Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2024 (SB. 472),” successfully passed its second reading on July 2, 2024.
Sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, from Kano North, the bill intends to broaden the registration criteria to encompass all residents of Nigeria, not solely citizens.
This initiative includes creating a comprehensive national identity database to oversee the registration and issuance of identity credentials.
The proposed legislation suggests that the registration process should be available at licensed centres both domestically and internationally, thereby promoting the inclusion of Nigerians living abroad.
The bill’s inclusive nature has sparked concerns among confident lawmakers, who contend that expanding the eligibility criteria may pose security risks.
Nevertheless, supporters of the bill argue that ensuring that all individuals residing in Nigeria are adequately documented is essential, which could enhance national planning and security measures.
Part 1(2) of the bill, found under the section titled ‘Application,’ specifies that the Act will apply to both Nigerian citizens and foreign nationals residing within the country. This extensive scope aims to guarantee comprehensive coverage and improve the management and operation of the National Identity Database.
Bill Seeking Special Seats For Female Lawmaker
Another notable legislation currently under consideration in the House is the Constitution Alteration Bill.
The bill seeks to establish designated seats for women within the National and State Houses of Assembly.
Naija News reports that this initiative, led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu alongside twelve co-sponsors, passed its second reading on July 9, 2024, and has been forwarded to the Committee on Constitution Amendment for additional legislative deliberation.
The proposed legislation aims to introduce one extra legislative seat per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) exclusively for female candidates, thereby increasing the total number of such seats to 74.
Furthermore, it advocates for three special seats for women in each of the 36 state houses of assembly, resulting in a cumulative total of 108 seats across state legislatures.
Originally presented during the 9th National Assembly and championed by Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha along with 85 other legislators, including former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, the bill was withdrawn during the voting process.
Its reintroduction in the 10th Assembly highlights the persistent efforts to enhance female representation within Nigeria’s political framework.
Proponents of the bill assert that it is essential to rectify the significant under-representation of women in Nigerian politics.
At the same time, critics express concerns regarding establishing gender-specific seats, advocating instead for initiatives that promote equal opportunities for all individuals.
Bill on Diaspora Voting
The proposed legislation concerning diaspora voting represents a crucial development pending additional legislative review.
This bill, introduced by Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen and Representative Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, has completed its second reading in the House.
The first section of the bill affirms the voting rights of Nigerian citizens residing outside the country, enabling their participation in elections overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This measure is considered a pivotal advancement in involving the Nigerian diaspora in the nation’s democratic framework, addressing a long-standing aspiration of Nigerians living abroad.
Furthermore, Section 4 of the bill specifies that it does not negate any existing Nigerian laws; instead, it establishes a mechanism for diaspora engagement.
The bill has been forwarded to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further evaluation. Should it be enacted, this legislation could significantly influence future elections by broadening the electorate to encompass millions of Nigerians overseas, thereby promoting greater inclusivity
About The Author
