The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) expresses deep concern over the escalating impasse between Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives, following the House’s resolution to suspend consideration of all Senate-sponsored bills due to the Senate’s failure to act on 146 bills passed by the lower chamber.
This institutional standoff, if left unresolved, threatens to paralyze Nigeria’s legislative process and erode public confidence in democratic governance.
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the House of Representatives unanimously adopted a motion to halt deliberations on Senate-originated bills, citing persistent delays and inaction by the Red Chamber.
CHRICED views this development as a grave dereliction of legislative responsibility, particularly at a time when the nation faces urgent socio-economic challenges requiring responsive and people-cantered lawmaking.
It is particularly troubling that while both chambers routinely expedite executive-sponsored bills, often with minimal scrutiny—they consistently neglect bills initiated by citizens and civil society organizations.
These neglected bills, which are designed to address critical issues affecting ordinary Nigerians, include the Employee Remuneration Protection and Unpaid Wages Bill, the Gender Representation Bill, the Whistleblower Protection Bill, and the Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Institutions Prohibition Bill, among others. Many of these have languished for years without meaningful progress.
In stark contrast, the Senate has confirmed the passage of 26 executive bills during the 2024–2025 legislative sessions, while the House processed 12, with 9 reaching final passage.
These bills, including the controversial tax reform legislation, were passed with remarkable speed and little resistance, underscoring a troubling double standard in legislative priorities.
Equally disconcerting is the consistent bipartisan consensus on the inclusion of constituency projects in the national budget, a practice widely criticized by Nigerians as unconstitutional and self-serving.
Despite their inability to collaborate on critical national issues, lawmakers continue to enjoy exorbitant salaries and allowances, with no measurable benchmarks for performance or accountability.
In light of these developments, CHRICED reiterates its longstanding call for the adoption of a unicameral legislature in Nigeria.
The current bicameral structure, comprising 469 federal legislators, has proven to be inefficient, costly, and prone to institutional rivalry. A single-chamber legislature would:
• Eliminate inter-chamber conflicts
• Streamline the legislative process
• Reduce the cost of governance
• Enhance transparency and accountability
• Foster unity and coherence in lawmaking.
Globally, 111 of the 190 United Nations-recognized countries operate unicameral legislatures, including Finland (200 members), Ghana (276), Taiwan (113), Tunisia (161), and Zambia (167).
These examples demonstrate that a leaner legislative structure can be both effective and democratic.
As Nigeria prepares for the July 2025 National Constitution Summit, CHRICED urges all stakeholders, civil society, media, professional bodies, traditional and religious leaders, and the public, to place the transition to a unicameral legislature at the forefront of the national reform agenda.
Such a shift would simplify legislative oversight, improve public engagement, and ensure that the National Assembly serves the interests of the people rather than political expediency.
In the interim, CHRICED calls on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to immediately de-escalate the current standoff and prioritize the passage of long-delayed, people-oriented legislation.
Should they fail to do so, they must consider stepping aside in the interest of national progress and democratic integrity.
Finally, CHRICED urges Nigerian citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable through sustained civic engagement, public advocacy, and the ballot box. The time has come to demand a legislature that is truly representative, responsive, and responsible.
