When a President assents to a large batch of bills at once, it’s often a sign of a major legislative push. During his tenure, President Muhammadu Buhari signed several packages of bills into law that marked important changes in various sectors—from legislative conduct and diplomacy to aviation and professional regulation.
The act of signing bills is the final, crucial step in the Nigerian legislative process . It transforms a proposed idea from the National Assembly into binding law, shaping the lives and commerce of every Nigerian citizen.
Let’s look at two specific instances where President Buhari signed a significant number of bills, analyzing the reforms that were enacted and the impact they had on Nigeria’s legal and economic framework.
Case Study 1: Institutional & Legislative Consolidation (2018 Batch)
In January 2018, President Buhari assented to a batch of eight bills, signaling an effort to consolidate legislative and diplomatic frameworks. This set of laws focused less on mass market reform and more on governmental structure and foreign relations.
A. Protecting the Legislature: The Legislative Houses Act
One of the most notable laws in this batch was the Legislative Houses Powers and Privileges Act. This law was designed to enhance the institutional independence of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
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Key Provision: It granted members and officers of the Legislative Houses immunity from litigation for actions taken during plenary or committee proceedings.
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The Intent: The goal was to shield the legislative process from unnecessary harassment and lawsuits, allowing lawmakers to perform their duties without fear of intimidation. It aimed to strengthen the legislature as a co-equal arm of government.
B. Diplomatic and Economic Agreements
Another set of laws focused on solidifying Nigeria’s standing in the international community and protecting its economic interests:
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Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement: The agreement signed with countries like the Kingdom of Spain aimed to prevent businesses and individuals from being taxed twice on the same income in Nigeria and the partnering country. This is a critical step for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and promoting legitimate international trade.
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National Institute of Legislative Studies Amendment Act: This law strengthened the body responsible for training and research for the National Assembly, ensuring lawmakers and their aides are equipped with the technical expertise needed for high-quality legislation and oversight.
Case Study 2: Professional and Aviation Sector Reforms (2022 Batch)
A later, high-impact batch of bills signed in August 2022 focused heavily on upgrading regulatory frameworks, particularly in the aviation and professional services sectors. This demonstrated a push towards modernizing Nigeria’s infrastructure and professional standards to meet international demands.
A. Overhauling Aviation and Meteorology
The Civil Aviation Act and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Act were cornerstones of this batch.
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The Civil Aviation Act, 2022: This law repealed its 2006 predecessor and created a new legal and institutional framework for civil aviation. Its primary objective was to ensure Nigeria’s compliance with the standards and recommended practices set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). This is a non-negotiable step for maintaining Nigeria’s airspace safety certification and international route access.
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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022: This law strengthened the institutional framework for weather regulation, making the agency the sole authority to approve, license, and certify meteorological stations. Reliable weather forecasting is vital for aviation, agriculture, and maritime safety.
B. Standardizing Professional Practice
Several of the bills focused on elevating the standards and accountability of key professions:
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Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022: This law centralized the responsibility for regulating and controlling the education, training, and practice of pharmacy, replacing the old Pharmacists Council of Nigeria Act. This is a direct measure to improve public health and combat issues like drug counterfeiting.
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National Institute of Credit Administration (Establishment) Act, 2022: This created an institute to regulate credit management practice and set standards for professional credit managers in Nigeria. This law is fundamental for deepening the formal credit system and making it easier for businesses to access finance, moving Nigeria away from cash-only transactions.
The Bigger Picture: Legislative Output and Legacy
The act of the President signing eight bills at once—in any instance—is a symbol of legislative efficacy. It indicates a period of reduced executive-legislative friction and an agreement on the necessity of certain reforms.
While President Buhari’s administration often faced criticism for the slow pace of policy execution, his legislative scorecard, particularly toward the end of his tenure, was significant. The laws signed often addressed decades-old, obsolete colonial-era legislation (like the Police Act, signed in a separate but related batch) or institutional weaknesses that hampered economic growth and international compliance.
These bills, whether focused on diplomacy, legislative integrity, or technical sector reform, all contribute to the incremental, foundational work necessary to stabilize and modernize a large, complex economy like Nigeria. We can see how the legislative processes, while slow, continue to lay the groundwork for a more structured and legally compliant nation.
