In an effort to improve governance and promote regular engagement between the executive and legislative branches, the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is considering a new bill to amend Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
The proposed amendment aims to require the President and state governors to address the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly every six months.
The bill seeks to institutionalize the “State of the Nation” and “State of the State” addresses, which would provide a regular platform for the President and governors to update lawmakers on national and state affairs, including fiscal and security matters.
Bill details and sponsorship
The amendment, co-sponsored by Mansur Soro (Bauchi State) and Fatima Talba (Yobe State), proposes changes to Sections 67 and 108 of the Constitution.
The new provision in Section 67(1) would require the President to attend a joint session of the National Assembly at least twice a year to address key national issues, such as fiscal policies, security measures, and other national matters.
Similarly, Section 108 would be amended to mandate state governors to address their respective state legislatures every six months on matters like state fiscal policies and security.
Promoting accountability, collaboration
Mansur Soro, speaking in an interview with Punch, emphasized that the bill’s purpose is to foster increased cooperation between the executive and legislature.
“The bill will ensure that the President and the National Assembly meet twice annually to discuss pressing issues such as national development, security, and economic policies,” Soro explained.
He pointed out that the current level of interaction between the President and the National Assembly is mostly limited to budget presentations, underscoring the need for more frequent and substantive meetings.
Soro also highlighted that the bill would apply to governors and their state assemblies, encouraging direct conversations on regional policies and reforms.
Soro expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu, given his background as a former lawmaker, would support the bill as part of his legacy to strengthen Nigeria’s governance framework.
The bill is set to undergo a public hearing to gather feedback from stakeholders before its final reading in the National Assembly.