The Nigerian House of Representatives is currently deliberating on a constitutional amendment that aims to streamline the size and composition of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the highest decision-making body in the country’s executive branch. The proposed amendment, spearheaded by Representatives Mansur Soro and Usman Zannah, seeks to cap the number of ministers appointed by the president at 37, a reduction from the current 45. This move is primarily motivated by a desire to curtail the escalating costs of governance, enhance efficiency within the executive branch, and address perceived imbalances in ministerial representation across the states of the federation. Proponents of the bill argue that the existing constitutional provision, which allows the president considerable latitude in determining the size of the cabinet, has led to unnecessary duplication of roles and an inflated bureaucracy.
The current practice of appointing at least one minister from each of the 36 states, often supplemented by additional ministerial appointments, has resulted in a bloated cabinet. Critics contend that this not only strains the national budget but also creates an environment conducive to inefficiency and overlapping responsibilities. The proposed amendment aims to address this by establishing a fixed upper limit on the number of ministers, forcing the executive branch to prioritize and consolidate ministerial portfolios. This, proponents argue, would lead to a more streamlined and effective government, capable of delivering services more efficiently and responsibly managing public resources. The proposed limit of 37 ministers is strategically designed to allow for representation from each state and the Federal Capital Territory, while also providing flexibility for specialized ministerial roles.
Representative Soro, a key advocate for the amendment, emphasizes the need for equitable representation among states. He points to instances where some states have multiple ministerial appointments while others have only one, arguing that this disparity is unfair and undermines the principle of balanced representation. He further challenges the justification for exceeding the one-minister-per-state principle to accommodate technocrats, suggesting that numerous other government agencies and parastatals offer ample avenues for incorporating technical expertise into governance. This argument underscores the belief that a smaller, more focused cabinet can effectively leverage expertise from various sources without resorting to excessive ministerial appointments.
Beyond the cost-saving and efficiency arguments, the proposed amendment also touches upon deeper issues of fairness and equitable distribution of power within the federal structure. The current system, critics argue, allows for potential political maneuvering whereby certain states gain undue influence through disproportionate ministerial representation. By setting a clear limit on the number of ministers, the amendment aims to level the playing field and ensure a more balanced distribution of power among the federating units. This, proponents believe, would foster a sense of fairness and promote greater unity among the diverse regions of the country.
Concurrently, the House is also considering a separate but related constitutional amendment that seeks to apply the federal character principle to the selection of principal officers of the National Assembly. This principle, enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, mandates equitable representation of all regions and ethnic groups in government appointments. By extending this principle to the leadership positions within the legislature, the amendment seeks to ensure more inclusive and representative governance. This move towards greater inclusivity in both the executive and legislative branches signals a broader effort to strengthen the foundations of Nigerian democracy and promote a sense of shared ownership of the government by all sections of the country.
The proposed amendments represent a significant step towards reforming the structure and composition of the Nigerian government. By addressing the concerns of cost, efficiency, and equitable representation, these amendments aim to create a more streamlined, responsive, and inclusive government. The debates surrounding these proposals reflect a growing awareness of the need for greater fiscal responsibility and a commitment to ensuring that the government reflects the diverse interests and needs of the Nigerian people. The outcome of these deliberations will have a profound impact on the future of Nigerian governance and its ability to effectively address the challenges facing the nation.
