The House of Representatives Committee on Delegated Legislation, chaired by Rt Hon. Olufemi Richard Bamisile, held its maiden meeting with heads of various government agencies at the committee’s meeting room 344 National assembly complex Abuja, 13 February, 2024. The goal was to discuss matters related to delegated/subsidiary legislation in Nigeria.
In an interview with Journalist, Hon Abubakar Mohammed Badu (Former commissioner Plateau state) described delegated legislation as rules and regulations created by bodies other than the legislature to provide details for primary laws. The committee emphasized the importance of complying with legal provisions and being transparent in the rule-making process.
Based on sections of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and House of Representatives standing orders, the committee’s mandate is to scrutinize all subsidiary laws made by agencies for compliance. Through engagements with agencies, the committee aims to improve understanding, conduct site visits, compile subsidiary laws, and hold a workshop on the topic.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Chairman Hon. Dominic I. Okafor welcomed attendees on behalf of the absent Chairman, who could not attend due to a bereavement. The committee looks to collaborate with agencies to promote efficiency, effectiveness and adherence to procedures in legislation.
Several agencies involved in rule-making attended the inaugural meeting, marking the start of cooperation between the committee and bodies responsible for delegated legislation.
