By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
A LEGISLATIVE push to mandate portfolio inclusion in ministerial and commissioner nominations has passed second reading in Nigeria’s House of Representatives.
This bill seeks to ensure that every nomination submitted by the President or State Governors specifies a proposed portfolio, allowing for more precise and effective vetting by lawmakers.
Rep. Okechukwu Dibiagwu, who represents Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West, sponsored the bill and led the debate in Abuja, stressing that this measure is vital to improving governance transparency and efficiency.
For years, nominees have appeared before the National Assembly and State Houses without defined roles, a practice that Dibiagwu describes as “outdated” and undermining the quality of governance.
By specifying portfolios in advance, he argued, legislators would gain deeper insights into each candidate’s suitability for the designated role, bolstering public trust in the government’s selection process.
The bill proposes amendments to Section 147(7) of the Constitution, explicitly requiring the President’s nominations for Ministerial positions to include a specific portfolio.
For state-level nominations, a similar mandate applies, obligating Governors to specify roles for Commissioners.
This shift from the current norm emphasizes that nominees should be evaluated based on qualifications relevant to a specific portfolio.
In addition to this legislation, a related bill proposing an extension of the retirement age for health workers across Nigeria has also moved to its second reading.
The intent is to retain seasoned health personnel, addressing workforce shortages and improving health service delivery nationwide.
The bills are slated to undergo further legislative review, drawing interest for their potential to advance governance and strengthen critical sectors in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) confirmed these developments via its social media platform, highlighting the potential impact of both bills on governance standards and healthcare capacity.
