36 State Assemblies Adopt Unified Rules on Suspension, Impeachment of Lawmakers

In a move to eliminate inconsistencies in legislative procedures across the country, all 36 state Houses of Assembly have adopted harmonised standing orders. The unified rules are designed to streamline processes related to the suspension and impeachment of lawmakers, the removal of presiding officers, budgetary oversight, and confirmation of executive appointments.

The new framework also covers procedures for the election of presiding officers, adoption of legislative and statutory reports, ratification of constitutional amendments and treaties, the formation of committees, and conduct of executive sessions. The harmonisation was finalised during a workshop in Lagos, convened by the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and supported by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in collaboration with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies.

Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, described the development as a strategic leap toward strengthening transparency, collaboration, and efficiency in Nigeria’s legislative processes. He noted that the unified rules mirror practices in countries such as the United States, South Africa, and Rwanda, and expressed confidence that the state legislatures would implement the new orders within three months.

“This monumental step forward, which began in 2021, is not just a procedural reform; it is a strategic step towards strengthening the efficiency, transparency, and uniformity of legislative operations across all state Houses of Assembly,” Ogundoyin said. “By standardising our legislative rules, we are enhancing collaboration, improving oversight, and ultimately ensuring a more responsive and accountable governance framework at the sub-national level.”

Resident Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Nigeria, Marija Peran, emphasised the importance of the move in light of recent political instability in states such as Lagos and Rivers. She said the harmonisation would reduce procedural discrepancies and promote a more cohesive legislative environment.

Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, highlighted the frequent interference of the executive in legislative matters. He argued that the standardised rules would protect legislative autonomy, ensure procedural clarity, and reduce the risk of undue external influence.

Work on the harmonised standing orders began in 2016, culminating in Thursday’s adoption and ratification.