By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives has passed a bill through its second reading, mandating that the President and Governors include specific portfolios in the nominations of ministers and commissioners before submission for legislative screening.

This bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999,” seeks to amend the Nigerian Constitution to ensure nominees for ministerial and commissioner roles are presented with defined roles in advance of legislative review.

Sponsored by Rep. Dibiagwu Okechukwu, representing Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West Federal Constituency, the bill aims to enhance transparency and preparation in governance. During plenary in Abuja, Okechukwu emphasized that since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly have held the authority to screen and confirm executive nominees.

However, he noted a longstanding gap: nominees are often submitted without the proposed portfolios they would hold, a practice he described as “outdated” and “detrimental to effective governance.”

Okechukwu argued that providing portfolios upfront would enable a more thorough review process, allowing legislators to assess each nominee’s suitability for the specific role they are nominated to fill. “This would not only allow for a more scrutinized vetting process but also boost public confidence in the appointments,” he added.

Key Proposed Amendments

Section 147(7):

The bill proposes that nominations for Ministerial positions by the President must include the specific portfolio for each nominee. The amended section reads:

“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):

For State Commissioner appointments, a similar requirement would be mandated. 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 obligatory nature of including portfolios with nominations, ensuring it is a standard requirement for both federal and state executive appointments.

A Bold Legislative Step Forward

Okechukwu highlighted that this amendment would support legislative engagement in a more substantive way, enabling members to ensure nominees are fit for the specific demands of each portfolio. 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 proceed to further legislative processes for possible enactment.