By Steven Atokolo
A new book titled The Nigerian Legislature: Understanding its Impact on Democratic Governance and National Development has been described as a significant scholarly contribution that offers an in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s legislative evolution, constitutional responsibilities and the National Assembly’s role in advancing democratic governance.
Written by Dr. Ezrel Tabiowo, the publication examines legislative practice in Nigeria, with emphasis on the budget process, legislative consideration of executive requests for domestic and foreign loans, and the National Assembly’s oversight of the executive arm of government.
Reviewing the book, former Senator and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Germany, Ita Enang, said it documents how constitutional responsibilities were carried out under former Senate Presidents Evans Enwerem, Chuba Okadigbo and Anyim Pius Anyim, as well as former Speakers of the House of Representatives Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar Na’Abba, Aminu Bello Masari, Patricia Etteh and Dimeji Bankole during the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth National Assemblies.
Enang noted that the book also explores the legislature’s scrutiny of executive nominations for ministerial, ambassadorial, constitutional and other key public offices, stressing that Senate confirmation is a constitutional duty requiring diligence, objectivity and independent judgment.
He added that the publication examines the relationship between the legislature and the media, highlighting how media coverage has shaped public perception of parliamentary activities. According to him, it also provides context for controversial legislative decisions to improve public understanding of parliamentary procedures, strengthen confidence in the legislature and encourage informed participation by civil society organisations, advocacy groups and citizens.
The book pays tribute to former Senate President Ahmed Lawan for his mentorship and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions during his 27 years of uninterrupted service in the National Assembly. It also acknowledges the National Assembly for providing the institutional environment that enabled the author to document key legislative developments over the years.
Enang described the publication as the outcome of extensive research, combining constitutional and statutory analysis, comparative legislative studies and the author’s experience as a parliamentary correspondent and media adviser. He said it traces the evolution of legislative institutions from pre-colonial governance through the colonial era, the Westminster parliamentary system, military rule and the current presidential system, explaining how these historical developments continue to shape Nigeria’s legislature.
The book further examines legislative oversight and accountability, using case studies of major investigations to highlight institutional strengths and weaknesses. It also analyses economic governance, including the appropriation process, constituency projects, fiscal federalism and legislative contributions to policy development in areas such as education and infrastructure.
It discusses challenges confronting the National Assembly, including institutional capacity gaps, high legislative turnover, ethical concerns, executive-legislative relations, judicial interventions and socio-economic factors. In addition, it assesses the impact of globalisation, digital technology and social media on legislative practice and public engagement while proposing reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, improving accountability and enhancing legislative effectiveness.
Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, described the book as a valuable addition to literature on Nigeria’s legislature, citing the author’s vast experience in the legislative sector. He recommended it as an important reference for lawmakers, researchers, students and all NILDS departments.
Similarly, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamorudeen Ogunlana, commended Dr. Tabiowo, a former Media Adviser to the President of the 9th Senate, saying the publication would help correct public misconceptions about the workings of the National Assembly.
