HB: 1141-A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999, TO STRENGTHEN TRANSPARENCY AND REGULATE THE ISSUANCE OF WAIVERS ON THE APPLICATION OF FEDERAL CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS IN APPOINTMENTS AND RECRUITMENTS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE, PUBLIC COMPANIES, OR CORPORATIONS, EXCEPT FOR RECRUITMENT OR APPOINTMENT OF LESS THAN 25 PERSONS; AND FOR RELATED
MATTERS. This Bill is Sponsored by Hon. Mansur Manu Soro. Bill Progress: Committee Stage.
This Bill seeks to alter Part I of the 3rd Schedule, Section 8 of the Constitution to
enhance transparency and accountability in the issuance of waivers exempting
compliance with the Federal Character principle in appointments and recruitments within the public service, public companies, or corporations. The Bill proposes a new sub-section (1) (e) which states that waivers can only be issued for appointments or recruitments involving fewer than 25 persons
Nigerian House of Representatives Reviews HB. 1141 to Address Federal Character Principle
The Nigerian House of Representatives is currently considering HB. 1141, a bill aimed at amending the Constitution to enhance the implementation of the Federal Character principle. This bill seeks to address concerns surrounding transparency and the regulation of waivers in public service appointments and recruitments.
One of the key provisions of HB. 1141 is its focus on strengthening transparency within the granting of waivers from the application of Federal Character requirements. By embedding regulations directly into the Constitution, the bill aims to create a clearer framework for how waivers are issued, ensuring that these processes are open and accountable.
The application of these regulations would primarily focus on appointments and recruitments within the public service, public companies, and corporations. However, the bill proposes an exemption for recruitments or appointments involving fewer than 25 individuals, highlighting a targeted approach where the principle of Federal Character is seen as most critical in larger-scale hiring scenarios.
The Federal Character principle, outlined in Section 14(3) of Nigeria’s Constitution, aims to ensure that the representation within the Government of the Federation and its agencies reflects the diverse ethnic and regional composition of the country. This principle is designed to foster national unity and loyalty among Nigeria’s various ethnic groups.
The introduction of HB. 1141 appears to stem from concerns regarding the lack of transparency surrounding the application of Federal Character and the potential abuse of waivers in the current system. Critics argue that opaque and arbitrary waiver processes may undermine the effectiveness of the Federal Character principle, leading to imbalances in federal appointments.
By emphasizing the regulation of waivers and the importance of transparency, HB. 1141 seeks to promote a more equitable representation of all regions and ethnic groups in federal public sector appointments. Supporters of the bill argue that this approach is vital for reinforcing national unity and social cohesion.
As of March 26, 2025, HB. 1141 has passed its Second Reading in the House of Representatives, indicating that the general principles of the bill have been debated and approved. The bill is now set to proceed to the committee stage, where it will undergo further review and potential amendments.
The bill is sponsored by Hon. Mansur Manu Soro, who has championed the need for reforms that enhance the accountability and fairness of the recruitment processes within Nigeria’s public sector. As discussions progress, stakeholders continue to monitor the bill’s developments and its implications for governance and representation in Nigeria.
