Reps consider bill to make president attach portfolios of ministerial nominees

A bill seeking to make it mandatory for the president to attach portfolios to the ministerial nomination list has passed second reading at the house of representatives.

The proposed legislation, which aims to amend sections 147 and 192 of the 1999 constitution, is sponsored by Eugene Dibiagwu from Imo state.

The bill also seeks to make it compulsory for governors to add the portfolios of commissioner nominees.

Over the years, senators screening cabinet appointees have had to base their questions on ministerial nominees’ professional backgrounds and experience in assessing their suitability for various ministries.

This has sparked debate, with many Nigerians highlighting the challenges it creates for effective questioning and oversight during the confirmation process.

Speaking in favour of the bill, Kingsley Chinda, minority leader, said if passed into law, it will make the “work of senators more direct by directing questions appropriately” during screening.

The lawmaker, however, said the law must also make it mandatory for ministers reassigned to different ministries, to return to the senate for screening.

Legislators voted unanimously in support of the bill when it was put to a voice vote by Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker, who presided over Wednesday’s plenary.