A recent investigation has revealed that at least 31 governors in Nigerian states have not granted financial autonomy to the legislative arm of government as required by the constitution.
The findings indicate that only five states, including Lagos, Delta, Plateau, Oyo, and Nasarawa, currently provide some form of financial independence to their Houses of Assembly.
Twelve others, such as Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Enugu, Kogi, Kwara, Bauchi, Ogun, Osun, and Rivers, have partial autonomy, while the rest, 14 states, have not implemented any financial autonomy for their legislatures.
This lack of autonomy has led to ongoing strikes by parliamentary staff in some states and calls for the governors to comply with constitutional provisions.
The struggle for financial autonomy for state legislatures in Nigeria began in 2010 but has faced numerous challenges, including legal battles and a lack of commitment by some state governors.
The financial autonomy of legislative bodies is seen as a critical element in ensuring their independence and effectiveness in their oversight and lawmaking roles within the democratic system. It remains a topic of concern for those advocating for a strong and independent legislature as an essential component of democratic governance in Nigeria.
