Bill to Create Prime Minister Role in Nigeria Passes Second Reading in House of Reps

A bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to establish the office of the Prime Minister as Head of Government and the President as Head of State has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation also outlines the framework for electing officials to these positions.

The bill is among 32 constitutional amendment bills that scaled second reading on Thursday.

Also included is a bill proposing designated seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly, aimed at increasing female representation in governance.

Another key amendment seeks to shorten the time for resolving pre-election petition matters by establishing pre-election tribunals and regulating the process of suspending lawmakers from legislative duties.

Additionally, a bill to revise the eligibility criteria for presidential, gubernatorial, and deputy gubernatorial candidates also passed its second reading.

Other proposed amendments include a review of the Federal Capital Territory’s status in presidential elections and bills for the creation of Wan State and Gobir State.

With these additions, the total number of constitutional amendment bills that have passed second reading now stands at 113.