LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT IN NIGERIA AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The 1999 Nigerian constitution established a national assembly that is designed to effectively and actively contribute to building and consolidating democracy. An important aspect of this democracy is that elected representatives of the people should oversee government actions and ensure that government remains accountable. Pursuant to this, the 1999 constitution gives full expression to this principle in providing for an exclusive power of investigation and scrutiny by the National Assembly over the executive under sections 88 and 89. It is against this background that this paper reviews the critical successes of the National Assembly in scrutinizing and monitoring the executive between 1999 and 2007. The paper assesses the challenges faced by the parliament in the performance of this responsibility, as well as draws lessons and strategies for strengthening parliamentary oversight of the executive.