By Chukwudi Obasi, Abuja
Several bills seeking to create additional local government areas (LGAs) across Nigeria passed the second reading in the House of Representatives yesterday.
Among them is a bill sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, proposing the creation of Bende North Local Government Area in Abia State from the existing Bende LGA.
Other bills propose the establishment of Ughievwen LGA in Delta State, Ideato West in Imo State, Zurmi in Zamfara State, and an unspecified number of new LGAs in Enugu State.
A day earlier, the House also advanced a bill recognising Lagos State’s 37 Development Area Councils as legitimate LGAs.
The House further considered bills to create and rename local government areas in various states and other key legislative proposals.
In addition to the LGA bills, lawmakers passed a bill on second reading that sets specific timelines for civil and criminal cases to prevent unnecessary delays in justice delivery.
The bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ensure that trial courts deliver judgments within 270 days for superior courts and 210 days for inferior courts from the date of filing, except in election petition cases.
In cases of exceptional complexity involving multiple parties, witnesses, or documents, superior courts may extend the judgment period to 330 days, while inferior courts may take up to 270 days.
In complex cases, appeals from civil and criminal cases, excluding election petitions, must be decided within 180 days or up to 270 days.
The House also considered a bill to enhance legislative oversight on treaty negotiations. If passed, the bill will amend the constitution to require the National Assembly’s involvement in negotiating and entering into treaties between Nigeria and other countries.
According to the proposed amendment, the President must consult with the National Assembly before finalising any treaty, ensuring greater transparency and legislative input in international agreements.
Another bill categorises the National Assembly Service Commission and the State House of Assembly Service Commission as independent bodies.
This proposed legislation aims to enhance their autonomy and designate the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Clerk of State Houses of Assembly as heads of legislative service at the national and sub-national levels, reinforcing their independence from executive influence.
Lawmakers also advanced a bill to upgrade the National Institute for Nigerian Languages in Aba, Abia State, to a full-fledged university known as the University of Nigerian Languages.
The bill seeks to allow the institution to offer degree programs, promote the study and use of Nigerian languages, and align its legal framework with the standards of the National Universities Commission.
The proposed university aims to preserve and develop indigenous Nigerian languages while fostering linguistic research and education.
Another significant bill presented for the second reading focuses on conducting a population census every 10 years.
If enacted, this legislation will establish a legal framework for regular censuses, ensuring accurate demographic data for national planning and development.
House Leader Prof Julius Ihonvbere presented the bills, sponsored by Kalu and several other lawmakers, for a second reading.
Their progression through the legislative process marks a crucial step toward potential constitutional amendments and policy reforms aimed at improving governance, legal efficiency, and national planning.
