March 27, (THEWILL) – The House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to return Nigeria to a parliamentary system of government, as lawmakers passed it for second reading on Thursday.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to Provide for the Office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government and the Office of President as Head of State and to Provide for a Framework for the Mode of Election to the Said Offices and for Related Matters (HB.1115),” was debated during plenary presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
If passed into law, the bill will replace the current presidential system with a parliamentary model, where a Prime Minister—elected by the legislature—will wield executive powers, while the President will assume a ceremonial role as Head of State.
In February 2024, 60 lawmakers had introduced three constitutional amendment bills, including HB.1115, HB.1116, and HB.1117, all aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s governance framework.
Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, Abdussamad Dasuki said the amendments would significantly reshape Nigeria’s political system, arguing that the presidential system has failed to effectively tackle the nation’s developmental challenges.
He pointed out that the high cost of governance under the presidential system has drained resources needed for critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. He also decried the concentration of power in the executive, saying it had stifled accountability and hindered national progress.
“Over the years, the flaws of the presidential system have become evident, despite several constitutional amendments aimed at addressing its weaknesses. This system has denied Nigeria the opportunity to reach its full potential,”Dasuki stated.
The bill now moves to the committee stage for further legislative scrutiny.
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