……As NILDS, CNA hail publication as one of the most comprehensive works on Nigeria’s legislative history
A new book, The Nigerian Legislature: Understanding its Impact on Democratic Governance and National Development, has been unveiled, offering fresh insights into the evolution, constitutional responsibilities and contributions of Nigeria’s legislature to democratic governance and national development.
Written by Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, the publication provides an in-depth examination of legislative practice in Nigeria, focusing on the budget process, the National Assembly’s consideration of executive requests for domestic and foreign loans, and parliamentary oversight of the executive arm of government.
Reviewing the book, former Senator and the Ambassador to Germany, Ita Enang, described the publication as a significant scholarly contribution that documents the discharge of constitutional responsibilities by past leaders of the National Assembly, including former Senate Presidents Evans Enwerem, Chuba Okadigbo and Anyim Pius Anyim, as well as former Speakers of the House of Representatives Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, Aminu Bello Masari, Patricia Etteh and Dimeji Bankole.
According to Enang, the book also examines the legislature’s scrutiny of executive nominations for ministerial, ambassadorial and constitutional offices, stressing that Senate confirmation remains a constitutional duty that demands diligence, objectivity and independent judgment.
He noted that the publication explores the relationship between the legislature and the media, highlighting the role of media coverage in shaping public perception of parliamentary activities and providing context for controversial legislative decisions.
“The book will improve public understanding of parliamentary procedures, strengthen confidence in the legislature and encourage informed participation by civil society organisations, advocacy groups and citizens,” Enang said.
The publication pays tribute to former Senate President Ahmed Lawan for his mentorship and commitment to strengthening democratic institutions during his 27 years of uninterrupted service in the National Assembly.
It also acknowledges the National Assembly for providing the institutional environment that enabled the author to document key legislative developments over the years.
Enang further described the book as the product of extensive research, combining constitutional and statutory analysis, comparative legislative studies and the author’s experience as a parliamentary correspondent and media adviser.
The book traces the evolution of legislative institutions from pre-colonial governance through the colonial era, the Westminster parliamentary system, military rule and the current presidential system, and explains how these historical developments continue to shape Nigeria’s legislature.
It also examines legislative oversight and accountability through case studies of major investigations, highlighting institutional strengths and weaknesses, while analysing economic governance issues such as the appropriation process, constituency projects, fiscal federalism and legislative contributions to policy development in education and infrastructure.
The publication identifies key challenges confronting the National Assembly, including institutional capacity gaps, high legislative turnover, ethical concerns, executive-legislative relations, judicial interventions and socio-economic factors.
It also assesses the impact of globalisation, digital technology and social media on legislative practice and public engagement, while proposing reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing legislative effectiveness.
Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, described the book as a valuable addition to literature on Nigeria’s legislature and recommended it as an important reference for lawmakers, researchers and students.
Similarly, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamorudeen Ogunlana, commended Dr. Tabiowo, a former Media Adviser to the President of the 9th Senate, saying the publication would help correct public misconceptions about the workings of the National Assembly.
