National Assembly Considers Bill for Return to Regional Government in Nigeria

The National Assembly is currently deliberating a proposed bill that advocates for a return to regional government in Nigeria, signaling a potential shift in the country’s governance structure. Titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Substitute the Annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ the draft legislation aims to introduce a new framework for governing the nation.

The document, which has been making rounds on social media platforms, is attributed to Dr. Akin Fapohunda, a retired public servant with a background in Information and Communication Technology. Although not a lawmaker in the National Assembly, Fapohunda has been involved in constitution drafting and proposed this bill as a means to revisit Nigeria’s historical regional system of governance.

House spokesman Akin Rotimi and Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, have both distanced the National Assembly from the draft bill. They clarified that formal proposals for constitutional amendments typically arise from committee recommendations or legislative members directly, not private individuals like Fapohunda.

On the other hand, a media outlet, SaharaReporters, has obtained a detailed part of the draft bill, emphasizing the need for a constitutional change that reflects the true consensus of the Nigerian people. The proposed bill seeks to replace the existing Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) with a more representative model through a referendum vote.

The draft bill outlines key provisions, including the establishment of a Federal/Regional System of Government, allowing regional autonomy in governance, and invoking the National Assembly’s powers to enact necessary amendments. The bill’s proponents argue that the current constitution, originating from a military decree, lacks the organic involvement of Nigerian citizens and must be reformed.

If passed into law, this legislation could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, reinstating regional autonomy and decentralizing governance powers. With the October 1, 2024 target date for implementation, the bill is set to undergo rigorous debate and scrutiny within the National Assembly chambers.