Benue State University, Makurdi

Legislative Oversight: An Appraisal of the Law and Practice

Doris D. Aaron* and Bilkis S. Lawal-Gambari**

Abstract

This paper examines the oversight tool that was provided for the legislature in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Nigerian Constitution enshrined the principles of Separation of Power and it is in the spirit of checks and balance that the power of oversight was given to the legislature. The core of this power of oversight vested in the legislature is to check the excesses of the executive and also to ascertain that public policies and activities aimed at improving the welfare and security of citizens are diligently implemented. The paper X-rays these tools of oversight and their usefulness in ensuring that the purpose for which they were designed are achieved for the overall good of the nation. The paper also aimed to serve as a guide especially to new legislators as they embark on the task of legislation and oversight set before them. The paper adopted both the doctrinal and non-doctrinal methodology as the paper made use of field observation of how the tools of oversight has been employed over the years. The paper also considered the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the opinions of learned scholars on the best approach to using oversight tools by the Legislature. The paper finds that the lack of transparency and accountability alongside the overzealousness of legislators are the main challenges in the effective use of the tools of oversight. The paper recommends that committee membership in the National Assembly should be based on qualification, the paper also recommends a strict adherence to the provisions of the constitution on the use of the oversight tools by the legislators.

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