The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is deliberating on a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to cap the number of ministers appointed by the president to 37.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Streamline the Number of Ministers to be Appointed to the Federal Executive Council,” is spearheaded by lawmakers Mansur Soro (Bauchi) and Usman Zannah (Borno).
The bill seeks to amend Section 147 (1) of the Constitution to mandate that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) comprise no more than one minister from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This proposal would reduce the current size of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, which includes 45 ministers, to promote cost efficiency and reduce overlapping mandates.
Key Objectives of the Amendment
- Cost Reduction: The bill aims to streamline government expenses by limiting the size of the cabinet.
- Equity and Balance: It addresses disparities, such as Ogun State having four ministers while others have one.
- Efficiency: Prevent duplication of duties and improve governance delivery.
Mansur Soro emphasized the sufficiency of appointing one minister per state and accommodating technocrats through other federal agencies and parastatals.
The constitution review committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, is also reviewing another bill to ensure federal character principles in selecting principal officers of the National Assembly.
These proposals reflect ongoing efforts to reform governance and promote equity in the country’s federal structure.
