Bill Seeking To Make President Attach Portfolios Of Ministerial Nominees Pass Second Reading

A bill mandating the president to attach specific portfolios to ministerial nominees has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Eugene Dibiagwu from Imo State, also seeks to require governors to include portfolios for commissioner nominees.

The bill aims to amend sections 147 and 192 of the 1999 Constitution, addressing long-standing concerns about the screening process. Currently, senators base their questions on nominees’ professional backgrounds, often without knowing which ministry the nominee will head, leading to challenges in assessing their suitability.

Speaking in support of the bill, Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda emphasized that assigning portfolios would allow for more focused questioning during screenings.

“This will make the work of senators more direct, enabling them to assess nominees’ suitability for specific roles,” Chinda stated.

Chinda further proposed that ministers reassigned to different ministries should return to the Senate for re-screening, ensuring continuous oversight.

When Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu put the bill to a voice vote during Wednesday’s plenary, lawmakers voiced unanimous support, advancing the bill toward further legislative processes.