The National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the country’s bicameral legislature, holds the power to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of the federation. This fundamental task involves initiating, debating, amending, and ultimately passing bills that shape national policy across various sectors. Specifically, the institution is constitutionally mandated to legislate on matters contained within the Exclusive Legislative List, which includes areas like defense, currency, and external affairs, as well as concurrent matters where both the federal and state governments share legislative authority.
The significance of this law-making function extends to safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring governmental accountability. Through its legislative activities, the National Assembly exercises oversight of the executive branch, scrutinizing government spending, investigating potential abuses of power, and confirming presidential appointments. This oversight role is crucial for preventing corruption, promoting transparency, and upholding the rule of law. Historically, the evolution of the legislature has mirrored Nigeria’s turbulent political journey, with periods of military rule often resulting in the suspension or dissolution of the assembly, highlighting the vital connection between a functional legislature and a democratic society.
