In a landmark move, Nigeria's House of Representatives has advanced a bill aiming to reintroduce the Office of the Prime Minister as the head of government, while designating the President as the head of state. This bill, which seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution, successfully passed its second reading on Thursday, March 27, 2025, marking a pivotal step toward potentially reshaping the nation's governance structure.
A Return to Parliamentary Roots
Historically, Nigeria operated under a parliamentary system post-independence, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa serving as the inaugural Prime Minister. This system was disrupted following the 1966 coup, leading to the adoption of the current presidential system. The proposed bill signifies a potential return to this earlier framework, aiming to delineate the roles of the head of state and head of government more distinctly.
Legislative Momentum
The initiative to reintroduce the Prime Minister's office is part of a broader constitutional amendment effort within the House of Representatives. On the same day, 32 amendment bills passed their second readings, addressing various aspects of governance and representation.
Key Amendments Under Consideration
Among the notable bills that advanced alongside the Prime Minister proposal are:
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Enhanced Representation for Women: A bill seeking to allocate specific seats for women in both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly aims to bolster female participation in legislative processes.
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Judicial Efficiency in Electoral Matters: Another bill proposes reducing the timeframe for resolving pre-election petitions and advocates for the establishment of dedicated pre-election tribunals, aiming to expedite judicial proceedings related to electoral disputes.
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Revised Eligibility Criteria for Executive Offices: Legislators are also considering amendments to the qualifications required for individuals aspiring to the offices of President, Vice-President, Governor, and Deputy Governor, potentially reshaping the criteria for Nigeria's highest executive positions.
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Federal Capital Territory's Electoral Status: A proposed amendment seeks to review the status of the Federal Capital Territory concerning presidential elections, which could have implications for electoral dynamics in the nation's capital.
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State Creation Initiatives: Bills advocating for the creation of Wan State and Gobir State have also progressed, reflecting ongoing discussions about Nigeria's internal political boundaries.
These developments contribute to a cumulative total of 113 constitutional amendment bills that have successfully passed second readings in the House, underscoring the legislature's active engagement in constitutional reform.
Diverse Perspectives Emerge
The proposal to reinstate the Prime Minister's office has elicited a spectrum of reactions. Supporters argue that a parliamentary system could enhance governmental accountability and efficiency by fostering closer collaboration between the executive and legislative branches. Conversely, critics caution that such a significant shift may lead to political instability and stress the importance of comprehensive deliberation and consensus-building.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
For these amendments to be enacted, they must undergo further scrutiny, including committee reviews, third readings, and concurrence by the Senate. Subsequently, approval by at least two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly is required, followed by presidential assent. This rigorous process ensures that any constitutional changes reflect broad-based agreement across Nigeria's federal structure.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria stands at the cusp of potential constitutional transformation, the advancement of these bills highlights the nation's commitment to evolving its democratic institutions. The coming months will be critical in determining the trajectory of these proposed amendments and their impact on the country's governance landscape.
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