Background
In a significant stride toward strengthening grassroots governance and legislative autonomy within Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the House of Representatives has advanced a bill seeking to establish a House of Assembly for the FCT. The bill, identified as HB. 2175, is sponsored by Hon. Engr. Sesoo Ikpagher of the Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency (Benue State) and has successfully passed its second reading in the Green Chamber.
Currently, the FCT remains the only administrative unit in the country without a state-level legislative body. Legislative authority over the territory is vested in the National Assembly, a dual role that has long drawn criticism for sidelining FCT residents in discussions on policies directly affecting their daily lives.
A Long-Awaited Reform
The bill proposes a constitutional amendment to establish a dedicated legislative assembly for the FCT, similar in structure and function to those found in Nigeria’s 36 states. If passed, this would empower FCT residents to elect their own lawmakers specifically focused on local issues, rather than relying solely on National Assembly members with broader federal mandates.
Speaking on the floor of the House, Hon. Ikpagher emphasised the importance of legislative equity and inclusiveness, noting that, “Residents of the FCT are entitled to the same level of democratic representation and local legislative oversight as their counterparts in the states.”
Legislative Authority and Structure
Under the proposed bill, the FCT House of Assembly would have jurisdiction to legislate on matters affecting the territory in areas such as education, transportation, local economic development, sanitation, and municipal planning. This decentralization of legislative authority is expected to enhance responsiveness, transparency, and localized decision-making.
In addition to legislative functions, the FCT Assembly would serve as a key accountability mechanism, providing oversight of the FCT Administration (FCTA), which currently operates without a counterpart legislative body at the territory level.
Potential Impacts
If enacted, the bill would:
- Enhance Democratic Representation: By giving FCT residents their own legislative body, the bill promotes equal political participation within Nigeria’s federal structure.
- Improve Local Governance: A localized House of Assembly would enable faster response to local challenges and more tailored legislative solutions.
- Strengthen Nigeria’s Federalism: Aligning the FCT’s governance framework with those of the states fosters constitutional balance and institutional equity.
Next Steps
The bill’s progression follows mounting calls by civil society groups, constitutional scholars, and FCT residents for reforms that reflect the democratic principles enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution. Following its second reading, the bill will now proceed to the Committee on Constitution Review for further deliberation, before potential concurrence by the Senate.
To become law, the bill must also secure the approval of at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly, as required for constitutional amendments under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution.
Conclusion
The bill to establish a House of Assembly for the Federal Capital Territory is not only a legislative milestone but also a powerful statement on equity, inclusion, and democratic advancement in Nigeria. Spearheaded by Hon. Sesoo Ikpagher, this initiative underscores the importance of giving all Nigerians, including those in the capital, a direct voice in shaping the laws that govern them.
As Nigeria’s democratic institutions evolve, the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF) will continue to provide knowledge, research, and policy support to foster informed legislative action.
Sources
House of Representatives. (2025, March 11). Order Paper: House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Retrieved from https://nass.gov.ng/documents/download/11189
House of Representatives. (2025, March 25). Order Paper: House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Retrieved from https://placng.org/i/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/House-of-Reps-order-paper-Tuesday-25-March-2025.pdf
Nigerian Observer. (2025, March 25). Reps Move to Establish FCT House of Assembly, Elevate Court of Appeal’s Role in Election Petitions. Retrieved from https://nigerianobservernews.com/2025/03/reps-move-to-establish-fct-house-of-assembly-elevate-court-of-appeals-role-in-election-petitions/
House of Representatives Nigeria. (2025, March). Press Release: House of Representatives National Assembly Office of the House Spokesman. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/HouseNGR/posts/house-of-representatives-national-assemblyoffice-of-the-house-spokesmanpress-rel/1065311082294906/
