The Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly has formally called on governors to comply with Section 121(3) of the Constitution, demanding direct disbursement of funds to state legislatures.
The Speakers warn that continued executive control over legislative budgets risks weakening democratic integrity and harming governance.
They plan to engage key stakeholders—governors, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Federal Government and civil society—to raise awareness about legislative independence. They will also set up a monitoring and reporting system to identify states failing to implement autonomy and escalate breaches through judicial channels.
The Speakers propose pursuing legal and institutional reforms to make financial autonomy permanent. They’re advocating amendments to strengthen state legislatures’ independence beyond temporary measures.
Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Chairman of the Speakers’ Conference, emphasized their role in Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional reform process. He stated that legislative autonomy must evolve through both constitutional amendments and nationwide consensus—and it must be enforced, not just written into law.
This push aligns with previous efforts by Southwest assembly Speakers, who met in Ikogosi‑Ekiti and planned dialogue with governors to drive full autonomy in their region, further advancing democratization and accountability. (punchng.com, tribuneonlineng.com)
