- Since its inauguration in June 2023, the 10th National Assembly has passed numerous bills addressing various national issues
- Several sensitive and contentious bills remain unresolved, awaiting public hearings and legislative approval
- As the lawmakers reconvene on September 17, TheRadar compiled seven key bills that are pending
Since the official inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023, the body has been active in passing a wide range of legislation aimed at addressing some national issues.
As the federal lawmakers prepare to return from their recess on September 17, attention is set to shift back to these critical yet pending pieces of legislation that have sparked considerable debate and public interest.
TheRadar compiled seven bills that are still awaiting public hearings and legislative approval.
1. Bill on a six-year single term for presidents and governors
Among the major bills pending in the National Assembly is a proposed constitutional amendment that would establish a single six-year term for the president, state governors, and local government chairmen.
The proposal, titled the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration) Bill 2024,” was put forth by Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere and is endorsed by 50 other members of the legislature.
The bill aimed to amend Sections 7, 135, 137, 180, and 182 of the Constitution. Specifically, Clause 2 proposed adding a new subsection (5) to Section 7, which would require local government chairmen to serve a single six-year term.
Clause 3 proposed revising Section 135 by altering the term length from “four” to “six,” thereby establishing a single six-year term for the presidency.
The bill also considered time already served before a re-run election and during annulled elections, incorporating these periods into the total six-year term.
Additionally, the bill grants the National Assembly the authority to extend the president’s term during wartime, with each extension capped at a maximum of six months.
2. Bill on special seats for female lawmaker
Another significant legislation being reviewed is the Constitution Alteration Bill, which aimed to create reserved seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly.
This bill proposed creating an extra legislative seat for female candidates in each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), thereby increasing the total number of such seats to 74.
Additionally, the bill called for the creation of three dedicated seats for women in each of the 36 state houses of assembly.
The bill was originally introduced in the 9th National Assembly by Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, with support from 85 other members, including former Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila. However, it was withdrawn during the voting process.
3. Parliamentary system bill
The House of Representatives is also evaluating three legislative proposals aimed at transitioning from the current presidential system to a parliamentary system of governance.
The bill, known as the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (Alteration) Bill, 2024,” was introduced by Kingsley Chinda along with 59 other representatives, and aimed to reshape the country’s governance structure.
The proposed system envisioned the Prime Minister as the head of government, with the president relegated to a ceremonial position.
The sponsors of the bill suggested that the new system be put into effect once President Tinubu and other elected officials complete their second terms, ensuring a smooth transition.
4. Police Act amendment bill
Another important bill under consideration in the House is the “Nigeria Police Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (HB 1461),” which aims to amend the Nigeria Police Act of 2020.
Sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen and Representative Abubakar Makki Yalleman, this bill proposed extending the tenure of police officers to enhance their expertise and decrease the financial burden of training and recruiting new staff.
The bill was fast-tracked through its first and second readings on May 21, 2024, and has since been referred to the House Committee on Police Affairs for further review.
5. NIMC Act repeal bill
The bill known as the “National Identity Management Commission (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2024 (SB. 472)” completed its second reading on July 2, 2024. The bill is aimed at revoking the National Identity Management Commission Act of 2017.
Part 1(2) of the bill, located in the ‘Application’ section, specifies that the Act will cover both Nigerian citizens and foreign nationals residing in Nigeria. This extensive application is designed to ensure full coverage and to enhance the operation of the National Identity Database.
This project aimed to set up a comprehensive national identity database to handle identity registration and the issuance of credentials. The legislation suggested that registration services should be offered at licensed centres both in Nigeria and globally, enhancing access for Nigerians living abroad.
6. Diaspora voting bill
The voting rights bill, introduced by Speaker Abbas Tajuddeen and Representative Sadiq Ango Abdullahi, has advanced its second reading in the House. The first section of the bill established the right for Nigerian citizens abroad to vote in elections administered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Additionally, Section 4 of the bill clarified that it does not override any current Nigerian laws but rather creates a framework for engaging with the diaspora.
Having been forwarded to the Committee on Electoral Matters for further evaluation, the bill could, if enacted, reshape future elections by broadening the electorate to include millions of Nigerians residing overseas, thus promoting greater inclusivity.
7. Bill on ranches commission
The National Ranches Commission Establishment Bill 2024 is among the key bills proposed and awaiting public hearing.
Sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam (APC, Benue North West), the bill aimed to establish ranches for herders in their home states, requiring them to relocate.
The proposed legislation includes severe penalties, such as a possible five-year imprisonment and a ₦50,000 fine for those who do not adhere to the regulations.
The bill further specified that cattle must be transported solely by vehicles, with a prohibition on livestock straying or grazing outside the assigned ranch zones.
The bill has faced considerable opposition from northern senators, who argue that it could interfere with traditional nomadic herding practices. Despite this resistance, it successfully passed its second reading in the Senate on June 5.
The bill's advocate argued that creating ranches would help solve the persistent conflicts between herders and farmers, which has led to crises such as deaths and the displacement of communities in recent years.
House of Reps folds, withdraws 10-year jail bill for national anthem offenders, others
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Tajudeen Abbas, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, bowed to pressure, and withdrew the Counter Subversion Bill and other related ones
The proposed bill faced intense criticism, due to its harsh penalties, such as a provision mandating a 10-year imprisonment, a N5 million fine, or both, for those who refuse to recite the national anthem and pledge