HB: 928
A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999 TO PROVIDE FOR THE INCLUSION OF ONE PERSON TO REPRESENT EACH OF THE STATES OF THE FEDERATION AND THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA IN THE FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS
This Bill seeks to alter Section 153 (1) (d) and Paragraph 10 (b), Part I of the 3rd Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to provide for the inclusion of one person to represent each of the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in the Federal Civil Service Commission. Bill sponsor Hon. Abubakar Fulata, bill progress committee stage.
A new legislative proposal, House Bill 928 (HB: 928), has been introduced to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. This bill seeks to alter specific provisions to ensure that every state in Nigeria, along with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has representation in the Federal Civil Service Commission.
The central aim of HB: 928 is to modify Section 153(1)(d) and Paragraph 10(b), Part I of the 3rd Schedule of the Constitution. The current provisions may not adequately guarantee that each of Nigeria’s states and the FCT are represented on the Federal Civil Service Commission. If enacted, this bill would require the inclusion of one representative from each state and the FCT within this significant federal body.
By mandating such representation, the bill is designed to promote a more equitable federal character and ensure that diverse regional perspectives are accounted for in civil service matters. The Federal Civil Service Commission plays a crucial role in overseeing the recruitment, discipline, and overall management of federal civil service personnel, making the call for representative inclusion an important step toward fairness in governance.
Supporters of the bill argue that ensuring representation for each state will not only enhance the legitimacy of the Commission but will also facilitate greater participation from various regions in the decision-making process. This move is seen as pivotal in fostering national unity and reflecting the demographic and cultural diversity that characterizes Nigeria’s population.
The phrase “and for other related matters” included in the bill indicates the possibility for adjustments or ancillary reforms to support the main intent of this legislative action. As the bill is discussed, stakeholders will examine the full implications of this proposed constitutional amendment and its potential effects on governance in Nigeria.
Should HB: 928 gain approval from the National Assembly, it could mark a significant shift in the structure of representation within the Federal Civil Service Commission, ensuring that governance reflects the interests and needs of all states in Nigeria. As discussions evolve, the bill highlights the ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity within the country’s civil service.
