The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review is currently deliberating a bill aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to limit the number of ministers appointed by the president to a maximum of 37.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Streamline the Number of Ministers to be Appointed to the Federal Executive Council,” is being reviewed by the committee headed by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Sponsored by Mansur Soro, representing Darazo/Ganjuwa in Bauchi State, and Zanna Mustapha, representing Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri in Borno State, the proposed amendment seeks to alter Section 147(1) of the Constitution.
The change would read, “There shall be such offices of Ministers of the Government of the Federation, not exceeding 37, as may be established by the President.”
Currently, under President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Executive Council includes 45 ministers, comprising both substantive ministers and Ministers of State.
Traditionally, the Nigerian president appoints a minister from each of the 36 states, with additional appointments made based on other considerations.
Soro explained the rationale behind the bill, emphasizing the need to reduce government spending and enhance the efficiency of governance.
“The bill seeks to limit the number of ministers in the Federal Executive Council to address issues like duplication of duties, excessive government expenditure, and inefficiencies in service delivery at the federal level,” he said.
“We need to streamline the cost of governance and ensure fairer distribution of ministers across states.”
Soro also pointed out the imbalance in ministerial appointments, particularly the disproportionate number of ministers from states like Ogun, which currently has four ministers compared to states with only one.
He suggested that appointing one minister per state, while considering the Federal Capital Territory, would be sufficient.
The bill also responds to concerns about the inclusion of technocrats in government.
Soro argued that technocrats and politicians can be accommodated in other government agencies and parastatals, reducing the need for an overinflated cabinet.
In addition to the bill on ministers, the committee is reviewing another bill proposing amendments to Section 62 of the Constitution.
This amendment would ensure the observance of the federal character principle in the composition of principal officers in the National Assembly.
These proposed changes are part of ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s governance system, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
