Masters in Parliamentary Administration

Effect of legislative oversight on security agencies in Nigeria: An assessment of the NSCDC, the Police and the Army

2026-07-31T08:45:41Z

Effect of legislative oversight on security agencies in Nigeria: An assessment of the NSCDC, the Police and the Army Nwador, Victor Maduabunachukwu The study was motivated by the increasing challenge posed by insecurity in Nigeria and its potential to draw Nigeria backwards. Although the Executive Arm of the Government had the constitutional role to implement laws and policies that would ensure adequate security in the country through its multiple agencies, the National Assembly was expected to complement that effort through its oversight roles. This study was, therefore, embarked upon to investigate the oversight role played by the National Assembly in this important matter. Along this understanding, the study identified three objectives namely: Determine the ways the 8th and 9th National Assembly carried out oversight of the security sector in Nigeria, Determine the factors that influenced Legislative Oversight of the Security Sector in Nigeria and; Ascertain the effectiveness of Legislative Oversight of Security Sector in Nigeria. Despite the critical role of legislative oversight by the National Assembly in ensuring accountability, efficiency, and proper resource in Nigeria’s security agencies, persistent and worsening security challenges such as terrorism, banditry, Kidnapping, and communal violence continue to threaten national stability and development, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these oversight mechanisms and the need to assess their impact on security governance during the 8th and 9th National Assemblies. The study used primary and secondary sources for data collection. For the primary sources, questionnaire and interview were used to obtain information from respondents. Secondary data was obtained from publication/ text books, internet and official records. Percentages and frequencies were used to analyze data and responses collected. The study revealed that the National Assembly carried out its work in relation to the Executive Arm in a satisfactory manner; it was also revealed that the relevant legislative committees visit security agencies and that they interrogate the procurement processes of the agencies. With respect to objective two on what influenced legislative oversight of the security agencies; it was revealed that the oversight Committee had Action Plan they followed. The oversight was also influenced by the constitutional provision to do so. The legislative framework was another influence for the oversight. With respect to objective three on effectiveness of the oversight, the study revealed that there was lack of trust between oversight committee and security agencies and that the oversight of the sector did not bring about peace and harmony which made the oversight ineffective despite the enormous budgetary provisions made for the sector over several years. The study recommended that there should be alignment of the roles of the security agencies; There should be increase in oversight of defence procurement and; capacity building of oversight legislators should be enhanced; In order for NASS security sector related committee to perform their oversight functions effectively, there is need to increased access to classified information.

Women's political marginalization in Nigeria a political analysis of representation during the fourth republic

2026-07-31T08:19:46Z

Women's political marginalization in Nigeria a political analysis of representation during the fourth republic Anazodo, Kenechukwu Augusta Women aspiring to political leadership often faced unique challenges, including heightened public scrutiny and unrealistic expectations compared to their male counterparts. The study examined women's political under-representation in Nigeria's Fourth Republic (1999–2025). It aimed to examine the effect and nature of women's Parliamentary representation, appraise the implications of their marginalization, and assess its impact. The study population comprised 620 officials from key political and administrative institutions relevant to women's political participation in Nigeria. This study employed a mixed-methods design, integrating both survey and descriptive strategies. The descriptive design provided a qualitative framework for in-depth exploration of complex issues. This combined approach was appropriate for gathering broad perspectives through questionnaires while also capturing detailed, expert insights through interviews, thereby offering a comprehensive understanding of women's political participation in Nigeria. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane (1967) formula for a finite population with a 3% margin of error. Therefore, a minimum sample size of 400 was targeted (collecting data from 400 respondents via questionnaires and 20 interviews). The findings revealed that 85% of respondents perceived women's representation as ineffective. The nature of participation was peripheral, with only 20% contesting elections. The primary implication was significant voter apathy (45%), and 45% cited structural barriers as limiting women's impact. A Chi-square test confirmed a significant relationship between marginalization and participation (χ²=12.34, p<0.05). The study concluded by affirming that the under-representation of women in the Nigerian Parliament was not an accidental outcome but a direct result of an entrenched patriarchal system. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality, the practical experience for women was one of systemic exclusion.

Citizens' participation in democratic process and its effects on legislative outcomes in Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State

2026-07-31T08:16:06Z

Citizens' participation in democratic process and its effects on legislative outcomes in Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State Agwunobi, Azubuike Michael This study assessed Citizens' Participation in Democratic Process and its Effects on Legislative Outcomes in Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State. The study was provoked by the need to evaluate the effects of citizens’ participation on the legislative outcomes. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine the mechanisms that would enhance citizens’ participation in the democratic process; assess the effects of citizens’ participation in democratic process on the legislative outcomes; determine the mechanisms that would bring the citizens’ closer to Members of the Parliament and its processes; find out the mechanisms that would enhance communication between the legislators and the public and finally, determine the factors that would discourage citizens’ participation in democratic processes. This research adopted a descriptive survey research design. To ensure comprehensive and accurate findings, this study adopted both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Primary sources of data were employed, meaning that information was obtained directly by the researcher from original, firsthand respondents. For the quantitative aspect, structured questionnaires served as the primary data collection instrument. Meanwhile, qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The findings of the study revealed that an average of 97.4% of the respondents believed that Good Governance, Openness, Active Participation, Accountability and Effective Policy are strong mechanisms that would enhance citizens’ participation in the democratic processes. However, an average of 2.6% had a contrary opinion. It was also ascertained that the effects of citizens’ participation in the democratic process on the legislative outcome cannot be overemphasized, having considered an average of 96.8%. The effectiveness and quality of laws churned out from the parliament as the custodian of democracy largely depends on the effect of citizens’ participation in the democratic process, which in turn breeds Timely, Efficient and Effective legislative outcome that meets the needs and aspirations of the people. It was observed that Town Hall Meeting, Constituency Office, Keeping In Touch, and Constituency Casework with an average of 98.2% were the effective mechanisms that would bring the citizens’ closer to Parliament and its process. It was ascertained that Outreach Approach, Local Radio or TV Shows and Public Service Announcements, Special Events and Holiday Activities, Conducting Opinion Polling and Surveying Constituent Needs and Social Media with an average of 98.2% strongly agreed that would enhance communication between the legislators and the public. Also, an average of 1.8% had a contrary opinion. Overall, the findings reveal a consensus among the majority of respondents on the critical challenges affecting democratic engagement in Ogbaru Federal Constituency. With an average of 98.6% of participants either agreeing or strongly agreeing with the identified factors, it is evident that these issues require urgent attention. The data affirms that any barrier to citizen participation must be systematically addressed, as democracy is rooted in the sovereignty and active involvement of the people. Meanwhile, only a marginal average of 1.5% of respondents opposed these assertions, indicating widespread recognition of the existing obstacles. The study concluded that, Citizens' participation in the democratic process involves engaging in various political activities such as voting in elections, participating in decision-making, attending public hearings, and protesting. These activities are fundamental to the democratic process, as they contribute to collective responsibility (Botwinick 1992). Despite challenges such as poor leadership, corruption, lack of electoral reforms, inefficient judicial systems, a faulty constitution, and electoral violence, citizens continue to demand good governance. This includes meeting their needs and aspirations without corruption, impunity, or disregard for the rule of law. A proper evaluation of good governance should focus on how well it ensures human rights, provides infrastructure, social amenities, healthcare, education, affordable housing, and works towards lifting citizens out of poverty, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Assessment of the Committee System and Legislative Functions of the 8th Senate of the Nigeria National Assembly

2025-02-01T12:23:49Z

Assessment of the Committee System and Legislative Functions of the 8th Senate of the Nigeria National Assembly Sholademi, Toyin Joy The study assessed the Committee System and Legislative Functions of the Senate in the 8th of the Nigeria National Assembly (2015-2019). The objectives were: to assess the roles of the Senate Committees in the 8th National Assembly; to determine the extent to which the 8th Senate used the committee system; to identify the challenges impeding the performance of the Senate committees in carrying out legislative functions of the National Assembly; and to recommend ways the Senate can use the committee system more effectively. The study adopted mixed methods: qualitative and quantitative research techniques to address the questions and objectives it intended to unravel. The population of the study was 697 staff members of Senate Committees. Data were collected from primary sources using the questionnaire, personal observation and secondary data obtained from the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, books, journals and the Internet. Explicit, qualitative and quantitative data were used for objectives one to three while only qualitative data was used for objective four. The quantitative data were presented in Charts while qualitative data were described in prose. The study found that committees in the 8th National Assembly conducted public hearings in respect of Bills and Motions, attended to petitions, screened nominees and conducted oversight functions, with positive impactful results on good governance. In fact, the 8th Senate passed a total of 172 Bills some of which drew high media attention for the pertinent issues they addressed and the overall high perception of their potential impacts on society. Further findings revealed that the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions was particularly very active; the Committee concluded 139 petitions and laid 126 reports which were all considered. Findings further revealed that the Committee System was a beehive of activities as a record number of Bills were passed surpassing that of the previous Assemblies. Objective three revealed that though the Senate Committee System has a large number of senior officers with higher educational qualifications indicating that the Committee Secretariats is a vibrant one which can offer quality services, however, irregular professional training and lack of adequate funding were nagging factors that militated against the effectiveness of the Senate Committees of the 8th Assembly. Findings on objective four revealed that a high number of respondents solicits for more support from civil societies, more relevant training and re-training and more funding to carry out committee assignments. The study recommended that in respect to findings on objective one and two, despite the high number of Bills passed by the 8th Senate, it could still do better where a clearer mandate is given and necessary sanctions are prescribed for inability to deliver within the required timeframe. It is also recommended as regards objective three that regular legislative training be conducted for the leadership, membership and committee secretariat. The study concluded that there is a need to pay great attention to the composition of committees and take deliberate interest in their challenges to deal with them for greater efficiency.