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The House of Representatives has successfully passed a bill during its second reading that requires the President and Governors to specify portfolios when nominating ministers and commissioners for legislative screening.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999,” the legislation aims to amend the Nigerian Constitution to ensure that nominees are presented with defined roles before being reviewed by the legislature.
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Spearheaded by Rep. Dibiagwu Okechukwu, who represents the Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency, the bill seeks to enhance transparency and governance preparedness.
In a plenary session in Abuja, Okechukwu noted that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly have held the responsibility to screen and confirm executive nominees.
He pointed out a critical gap in the current process: nominees are frequently submitted without the portfolios they are expected to fill, a practice he labeled “outdated” and harmful to effective governance.
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Okechukwu asserted that providing portfolios at the outset would facilitate a more comprehensive review process, allowing legislators to better evaluate the qualifications of each nominee for their specific roles.
“This would not only allow for a more scrutinized vetting process but also boost public confidence in the appointments,” he stated.
Key Proposed Amendments
Section 147(7):
The bill mandates that nominations for ministerial positions by the President must include specific portfolios. The amended text states:
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“Any nomination of a person or persons to the office of Minister of the Government of the Federation shall be accompanied by the proposed portfolio(s) to be occupied by such nominated person(s).”
Section 192(6):
Similarly, for state commissioner appointments, a corresponding requirement will be enforced. The proposed amendment reads:
“Any nomination of a person or persons to the Office of Commissioner of the Government of a State shall be accompanied by proposed portfolio(s) to be occupied by such nominated person(s).”
The use of “shall” in these amendments emphasizes the necessity of including portfolios with nominations, ensuring it becomes a standard requirement for both federal and state executive appointments.
Okechukwu highlighted that this amendment would enhance legislative engagement, enabling members to ensure that nominees are well-suited for the demands of their respective portfolios.
By mandating this requirement, the bill aims to modernize the nomination process, align it with best practices, and contribute to a more effective and transparent government at both federal and state levels.
The bill will now move on to further legislative processes for potential enactment.
