How Laws are Made in Nigeria: A Clear and Friendly Guide
Ask an average Nigerian, “What does the National Assembly do?” Depending on the mood you’ll either hear, “They make laws” or “They’re just there to eat our money!! Doing nothinggg!”
The first answer is true, PoliZ pleads the fifth on the second.
This blog focuses on the first—How the National Assembly make laws. From its first draft to the President’s desk, a bill normally undergo several steps, debates, and revisions before it becomes law.
We’ll walk you through each step, from the initial proposal to the final approval, so you get a clear picture of what happens in the National Assembly.
If you are looking for an in-depth explainer on how laws are made in Nigeria, you can check this out.The Early Stage of a Law: What’s a Bill?
A bill is like the first draft of a law. It’s a proposal that can come from a member of the National Assembly, the government, or even a committee. There are two types:
- Public bills, which affect the whole country. For example, Electoral Act Amendment Bill, Petroleum Industry Bill.
- Private bills, which focus on specific individuals or groups e.g Anambra State Polytechnic Establishment Bill, Nigerian Red Cross Society (Incorporation) Bill, etc.
The Different Stages
1. Presentation of the Bill
A bill begins its journey by being presented to either the Senate or the House of Representatives. It can be presented by a senator, a member of the house, or even the executive (through the President).
At this point, it’s just introduced—no debates. The title, a brief statement and background is read out loud, and it’s off to the next step (Second Reading).
2. Second Reading
The real discussion begins here. During the Second Reading, lawmakers debate the main idea behind the bill.
A motion is made to read the bill a second time, if the motion is seconded (supported) by other legislators, the bill proceeds to debate. If not, the bill is rejected.
After the debate, a vote is taken to decide whether the bill should proceed to the Committee Stage. If most members agree, it moves on to the next stage. If not, the bill’s not hard, now it’s time to go home.
3. Committee Stage
After passing the second reading, the bill goes to a committee. This is where things get detailed. The committee reviews it carefully, makes any necessary changes, and might hold public hearings to gather opinions from experts or citizens- stakeholders involved.
For bills addressing multiple issues, subcommittees may be formed to focus on specific parts.
4. Report Stage
Once the committee’s done, the bill returns to the House or Senate in the Report Stage. The committee presents what they’ve done, including any amendments, and lawmakers debate again.
Further amendments can be proposed and discussed. If everything is approved, the bill moves forward to the third reading.
5. The Third Reading
The Third Reading is the final step in the legislative chamber where it got introduced. At the Third Reading, lawmakers take a final vote. If majority vote for it “Ayes,” the bill heads to the other chamber (Senate or House of Representatives), where the whole process starts again.
What if Both Chambers Don’t Agree?
Sometimes the two chambers pass different versions of the same bill. When this happens, a Conference/Harmonization Committee is formed (from both the Senate and House of Representatives), to sort out the differences. After the recommendations of the conference committee are adopted, the bill then moves on.
The President’s ‘Work’
Once both chambers have passed the same version of the bill, it’s sent to the President for approval. Once the bill reaches the President, he/she has 30 days to sign it into law.
If the President refuses, the National Assembly (both Senate and House of Representatives) can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote. If the President signs it, the bill becomes law.
How long does it take to make Laws?
The process can take some time, everybody go explain tire….depending on the bill and the debates around it. Some bills move quickly, while others might take months. It’s a step-by-step process to make sure the law is solid before it’s passed.
Sometimes, the National Assembly speeds up the bill process for urgent issues by suspending usual procedures. This isn’t so common, but it has happened.
For instance, on July 23, 2024, the National Assembly swiftly amended the Nigerian Police Act 2020 to allow the Inspector General of Police to stay in office until the end of their appointment term, even if it extends beyond the retirement age.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of making laws in Nigeria is designed to guarantee legislation are properly studied before becoming laws. From the First Reading to the Presidential Assent, each stage is crucial in ensuring that the legislation is properly developed to serve the nation.
If you like what you’ve just read, don’t stop here! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay updated every time we share new content.
Want to take it a step further? Join our WhatsApp community and be part of the conversation in real time! Let’s keep the momentum going together.
ALSO READ: How to Be an Active Citizen: Get Involved, Stay Informed!
