Your Role as a Nigerian Citizen in Legislative Reforms

10 months ago

Ogechi Obasi

 

Legislative reforms include the review, modification, or creation of laws that address the evolving needs of society across various sectors, including human rights, education, healthcare, economy, infrastructure, and environmental protection. The success of any nation lies on the active participation of its citizens. This participation occurs when citizens organize and collaborate to influence the decision-making process. By engaging in the legislative process, citizens can voice their concerns, propose improvements, and advocate for policies that align with their values and aspirations.

A well-informed citizen carefully observes how public office holders and representatives exercise their power on public policies and issues; and will express his or her own opinions and interests concerning such policies. This will be done by disseminating the information or drawing media attention, as well as holding the legislators accountable. Legislative reforms play a pivotal role in shaping a nation's laws and regulations, and as a Nigerian citizen, your active involvement is vital in shaping laws, ensuring that these reforms address the challenges faced by the country and promote the common good.

Benefits of Citizen Participation       

  • Citizen participation helps create a more inclusive and holistic decision-making. It ensures that legislative reforms are not driven solely by the interests of a few, but rather reflect the broader needs and aspirations of the Nigerian population. Your participation helps make legislation more inclusive and representative.
  • Your participation in the legislative process enhances accountability. It helps create a system of checks and balances, preventing abuse of power and promoting responsible governance.
  • By sharing your expertise, experiences, and ideas, you can help lawmakers make informed decisions that address the root causes of societal challenges. This active collaboration promotes good governance, as policies are developed through dialogue and consensus-building. Your involvement in legislative reforms contributes to the development of effective and equitable policies.
  • Citizen participation promotes stronger collective intelligence that provides a better analysis of potential impacts throughout the legislative process for overall higher quality outcomes.
  • Increased trust and confidence of citizens in the National Assembly.
  • Improved understanding of the role of National Assembly and legislators by citizens

 

Avenues for Citizen’s Participation in Legislative Reforms

 Participating in the electoral process and Voting

The electoral process is the first step in choosing legislators in a democracy. Elections and voting are indispensable aspects of political engagement especially in a civilian administration. They are fundamental features of representative democracy. Voting is an essential tool in participating in legislative reforms.  Citizens can get involved in the electoral process through peaceful campaigns, voter education, citizens gathering, surveys, polls and other efforts geared towards voting in elections.

Engage with Representatives (Public Hearings)

Communicate with your elected representatives, such as members of the National Assembly or state legislators. Attend town hall meetings, public hearings, and constituency briefings to express your opinions, ask questions, and provide suggestions. Engaging with representatives directly helps you build a relationship and ensures that your concerns are heard.

Stay Informed on the Legislative Process

Stay updated on legislative activities, bills, and policy proposals that are being considered in the National Assembly. These bills may affect you, and finding out after they have received Presidential assent may be too late. Follow reputable news sources, read official government publications, and engage with civil society organizations that focus on legislative issues. Being well-informed allows you to participate more effectively in the process.

Citizen Activism

Activism emphasizes the belief in the collective power of the people to unite and overturn unfavorable policies of the government. This was demonstrated by the NLC led nationwide protest that greeted the removal of fuel subsidy in Nigeria, and the peaceful protests by women at the National Assembly last year five gender bills were rejected, prompting protests by women at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja. These women demanded the reversal of rejected gender bills, resulting in the House of Representatives rescinding its decisions on three out of the five bills. Other forms of activism including sending informative letters to legislators, media activism and judicial activism. Freedom of speech and a free media are vital for activism. Free media and open-minded activism greatly improves the quality of legislations.

 

Town Hall Meetings

A town hall meeting, is an informal public meeting. All interested members of the Public are invited to attend. They also can voice their opinions and hear the responses from public officers and elected officials. Town Hall Meeting is an essential tool in mobilization of people towards participation of governance.

Form Alliances

Join or establish advocacy groups, civil society organizations, or grassroots movements that share your interests. Collaborate with like-minded individuals to amplify your voices and increase your impact. By working together, you can pool resources, conduct research, and develop well-informed policy recommendations.

Submit Feedback and Proposals

Take advantage of opportunities to provide feedback during public consultations or when bills are open for review, especially during Public Hearings. Submit your memorandum on a Bill, contributions, attend committee hearings, and provide constructive feedback on proposed legislation. Back your suggestions with evidence, data, and real-life examples to strengthen your arguments.

Utilize Digital Tools

Leverage the power of technology to engage with legislative processes. Participate in online forums, social media discussions, and virtual town hall meetings. Citizens can also aggregate virtually using social media tools like Twitter spaces, Instagram Lives, Facebook lives etc. to discuss Bills on the floor of the National Assembly and its impact on citizens

NASSBER’s Role in Legislative Reforms

The National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER) drives business reforms in Nigeria aimed at improving the business environment in line with Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. Some of these legislative reforms include the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the Credit Reporting Act 2017, the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Act 2017.

If you are unsure about how to reach the Legislators, NASSBER can assist in communicating your concerns to the National Assembly. You can reach the NASSBER Secretariat at nassbersecretariat@nesgroup.org.

Conclusion

Citizen participation should be at the heart of governance. Your role as a Nigerian citizen in legislative reforms is essential for shaping the future of our country. By actively participating in the legislative process, you can contribute to the development of policies that address the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people. Remember to stay informed, engage with your representatives, form alliances, submit feedback and proposals, and utilize digital tools to maximize your impact. Your participation promotes good governance, ensures representation, and enhances accountability. Together, we can work towards a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria through citizen participation in legislative reforms. Remember, we are all stakeholders.

Ogechi is an analyst with NASSBER. Reach her on ogechi.obasi@nesgroup.org