To address inconsistencies in suspension processes, member impeachments, and other legislative procedures, the 36 state-level Houses of Assembly have embraced and approved the implementation of standardized standing orders.
The guidelines established for each of the 36 State Assemblies are designed to maintain consistency among the states when dealing with disciplinary actions such as suspensions and impeachments, removing presiding officers and other members, overseeing budget procedures, and approving nominations made by the executive branch of government.
The coordinated directives similarly address the procedures for electing presiding officials, approving legislative documents, adopting statutory reports, and passing resolutions related to endorsing constitutional changes and accords. They also outline the formation of special, temporary panels and govern how executive meetings should be conducted.
The unified standing rules were approved and confirmed during the gathering of speakers from state legislatures across Nigeria at an event held in Lagos. This conference took place on Thursday as part of a workshop organized jointly by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and the National Institute for Legislative andDemocratic Studies.
During his speech, Chairman Adebo Ogundoyin of the Conference of Speakers highlighted that through the adoption of unified standing orders, Nigeria has become part of a group including nations such as the United States of America, South Africa, and Rwanda, all of which have established consolidated legislative systems.
Ogundoyin, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, emphasized that the unified standing orders for states will guarantee standardized regulations for state legislative bodies. This standardization aims to provide clear guidelines ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations.
Ogundoyin showed confidence that the different State Assemblies would embrace the standardized regulations for implementation across their respective regions over the coming quarter.
This significant advancement, initiated in 2021, goes beyond mere procedural changes; it represents a strategic move aimed at bolstering the efficiency, openness, and consistency of legislative processes throughout all state Houses of Assembly. By unifying our legislative guidelines, we aim to foster better cooperation, enhance scrutiny over legislation, and ultimately establish a more reactive and transparent system of governance at the local level.
We derive inspiration from our partners, including the German government and the United States of America, where all 50 states have implemented a centralized standing order system.
"On the African continent, both South Africa and Rwanda excel in this aspect, and Nigeria is poised to become part of the group of nations with unified legal systems, thereby reinforcing our dedication to democratic rule and institutional development," stated Ogundoyin.
Opening the proceedings, Marija Peran, the Resident Representative from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Nigeria, highlighted that aligning the assemblies' regulations was intended to establish a standardized method that encourages cooperation, minimizes procedural differences, and boosts the general efficiency of the legislative entities.
Referring to the confusion in the Lagos and Rivers state legislatures, Peran emphasized that standardizing the standing orders would guarantee uniformity, openness, and effectiveness in lawmaking procedures.
She stated that with the unified standing orders, the state Houses of Assembly were moving towards a more coherent legislative atmosphere.
We're just halfway through 2025, yet several state House of Assemblies have undergone significant changes. This underscores that neither political stability nor democratic procedures can be considered assured.
As we continue on this path, it becomes crucial to consider the importance of standardized standing orders in the state legislatures' assemblies. These guidelines form the core of legislative protocols, guaranteeing consistency, openness, and effectiveness throughout the lawmaking process.
"The aim of aligning these directives is straightforward: to establish a standardized method that encourages cooperation, minimizes operational differences, and improves the overall efficacy of the legislative entities," she stated.
Prof Abubakar Sulaiman, who leads the National Institute for Legislative andDemocratic Studies as the Director-General, highlighted how legislatures can be weakened due to interference fromthe executive branch.
He emphasized that implementing standardized Standing Orders would guarantee clearer procedures, consistency in legislative actions, and safeguard the independence of the legislature.
"Through this approach, we can develop a robust legal framework in which state legislatures function efficiently without being hindered by outside interruptions," Abubakar stated.
He stated, "It is crucial to carefully consider the insights gained from events in Rivers State, Lagos State, and comparable occurrences in previous times. Implementing a unified approach to regulatory guidelines across various regions could enhance uniformity in legislative procedures, bolster the autonomy of lawmaking bodies, and establish protections against unwarranted interference from both governmental and judicial sectors."
The development of the harmonized standing orders commenced in 2016 prior to their adoption and ratification on Thursday.
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