Nigeria’s House of Representatives has approved several bills, including those for the creation of state and local government police forces.
These bills were among 39 proposed constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening judicial and legislative security, as well as implementing electoral reforms.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, lawmakers also passed bills advocating for special legislative seats for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other marginalized groups. The bills progressed to the next stage without debate.
Key bills that received approval include:
- State and Local Government Police Bill: Co-sponsored by Rep. Francis Waive and Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, this bill seeks to amend the constitution to permit the establishment of police forces at the state and local levels.
- Special Legislative Seats for PWDs Bill: Sponsored by Reps. Tajudeen Abbas and Marcus Onobun, this bill aims to reserve legislative seats for persons with disabilities at various levels of government.
- Special Interest Group Seats Bill: Introduced by Rep. Akintunde Rotimi, this bill proposes six reserved seats in the House of Representatives for special interest groups.
- Public Service Healthcare Engagement Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Ahmed Wase, this bill seeks to allow public servants to participate in healthcare services beyond farming.
- Gender Equality in Federal Character Commission Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Kaftlat Ogbara, this bill calls for equal gender representation in the Federal Character Commission.
- Political Parties Regulation Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Aminu Daura, this bill proposes the establishment of a Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission.
- Federal High Court Jurisdiction Expansion Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Muktar Shagaya, this bill seeks to grant the Federal High Court authority over electoral violations.
- Judicial Independence Bill: This bill proposes amendments to ensure smooth transitions of heads of courts and reinforce judicial independence.
- Resignation Requirement for Political Defection Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Adebayo Balogun, this bill mandates that lawmakers resign from their party before switching allegiance.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, referred all 39 bills to the Committee on Review of the Constitution for further legislative scrutiny.
