House Of Reps Debates Switching Nigeria To Parliamentary System

Nigeria Could Shift to Parliamentary System: What's Happening?

Hey there, let me break this down for you. The House of Representatives in Nigeria is considering a big change that could shift the country from its current presidential system to a parliamentary one. This isn’t just any ordinary tweak—it’s a monumental decision that could redefine how Nigeria is governed. The bill has already passed its second reading, marking a significant step forward in the legislative process.

According to Naija News, this was one of 31 constitutional amendment bills discussed during a plenary session led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu last Thursday. Imagine a room full of lawmakers debating the future structure of the government—it’s a pretty intense moment for Nigeria’s political landscape.

What’s the Bill All About?

The bill’s official title is a mouthful, but here’s what it means in simpler terms: it proposes altering the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to create offices for both a Prime Minister as the head of government and a President as the ceremonial head of state. Sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, along with 59 other lawmakers, the bill aims to establish a framework for electing these new offices and related matters.

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If this bill becomes law, Nigeria would transition to a parliamentary system. In this setup, the Prime Minister—elected by the legislature—would hold executive powers, while the President would act as a ceremonial figurehead. This change could bring about a more balanced distribution of power, something many Nigerians have been calling for.

A Glimpse Into the Future

In February 2024, 60 members of the House introduced three bills proposing amendments to the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended). These bills aim to transition Nigeria to a parliamentary system by 2031. The names of the bills are long and technical, but their goals are clear: they want to reshape Nigeria’s governance structure to better serve its people.

Abdussamad Dasuki, speaking on behalf of the sponsors, emphasized that these proposed amendments could drastically reshape Nigeria’s political scene. He argued that despite numerous attempts to tweak the current presidential system, it hasn’t effectively addressed the nation’s developmental challenges. In fact, he pointed out several flaws in the system that have hindered progress.

Why Change Now?

Dasuki outlined a few key issues with the current system. For starters, governance costs way too much, leaving fewer resources for critical sectors like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Think about it—when the government spends so much money just keeping itself running, there’s not much left over for the things that really matter to everyday Nigerians.

Additionally, Dasuki criticized the excessive power concentrated in the executive branch, which isn’t always directly accountable to the people. This lack of accountability can lead to inefficiencies and corruption, making it harder for the government to meet the needs of its citizens.

He passionately stated, “Over the years, the imperfections of the presidential system of government have become glaring to all, despite several alterations to the constitution to address the shortcomings of a system that has denied the nation the opportunity of attaining its full potential.” It’s clear that he believes the current system isn’t cutting it.

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Back to the Parliamentary System

Dasuki also highlighted the benefits of returning to a parliamentary system, which was used during Nigeria’s First Republic. Back then, both legislative and executive powers were exercised by elected representatives who were directly accountable to the people. This meant that government decisions were more transparent and aligned with public interests.

The sponsors of the bill argue that switching back to a parliamentary system could enhance accountability in government, making it more responsive to the needs of Nigerians. They also believe it would reduce the cost of governance, creating a more efficient and financially sustainable system. After all, if a system worked well during the early years of independence, why not revisit it?

“For six years while it was in operation, the parliamentary system worked for the country,” Dasuki concluded. He’s advocating for a return to a governance model that once served Nigeria well, hoping it can do so again in the future.