A bill aimed at establishing the National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) has passed its first reading in the Senate.
The proposed commission is set to oversee elections for the 774 local governments across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory.
Sponsored by Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), Chairman of the Committee on Finance, the bill titled “Local Government Independent Electoral Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 531)” proposes the creation of NILGEC comprising a Chairperson and six commissioners.
These appointments will be made by the President and confirmed by the Senate, with each serving a renewable term of five years.
The bill emphasizes the commission’s independence, ensuring it operates free from external influence. It mandates NILGEC to manage its own budget, approved by the National Assembly, to guarantee financial autonomy.
This legislative move comes shortly after a Supreme Court ruling that declared it unconstitutional for state governors to retain funds meant for local governments.
The functions of NILGEC, as outlined in the bill, include conducting fair elections, maintaining voter registers, and resolving electoral disputes.
The proposed commission is expected to enhance electoral transparency through voter education, training of electoral staff, and enforcing electoral guidelines.
It will also collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure secure electoral processes and enforce penalties for electoral offenses.
If passed and assented to by the President, the bill will mark a significant shift in local governance and electoral management in Nigeria.
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